Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ocimum basilicum Seed Extract

Abstract

The development of an eco-friendly method for the production of nanomaterials is an area of significant research and commercial interest owing to its numerous applications in various disciplines. This study used a simple green synthesis approach to produce silver nanoparticles using Ocimum basilicum seed extract. The optical, structural, and morphological characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were found using UV visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffractometer (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The aqueous medium containing reduced silver ions showed maximum UV absorption at 430 nm in response to the plasmon absorbance behavior of silver nanoparticles. Synthesized nanoparticles had a spherical shape with an average particle size of 134.04 nm and a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. Synthesized Ag NPs showed excellent free radical scavenging activity as evaluated using the DPPH method. Additionally, the green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria compared to O. basilicum seed extract. Thus, O. basilicum seed extract can be used as a bio-reducing agent for producing silver nanoparticles and an effective way of using bioactive resources with their medicinal benefits.