Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles obtained from Rumex acetosella L. (Sorrel) plant

Abstract

Rumex acetosella L. (sorrel) is a plant belonging to the Polygonaceous family and is a species that grows naturally across Turkey. In this study, the characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from the Rumex acetocella L. (RA) plant using the green synthesis method was performed and their antimicrobial activities were investigated. AgNPs were successfully synthesized in the first stage of the study using plant extract taken from plant samples collected from the natural growing environment. Characterization of synthesized AgNPs was performed using appropriate analytical methods (UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, Zeta Potential and Zeta Sizer). According to the analysis results, it was determined that AgNPs had a maximum absorbance at 476 nm wavelength, a pentagonal, hexagonal, and spherical appearance, a size of 29.16 nm, and a zeta potential of -9.88 mV. The antimicrobial activities of AgNPs were tested using the microdilution technique, in which Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) values were determined on gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli bacteria and Candida albicans fungus. It showed a very strong antimicrobial effect on C. albicans, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Consequently, AgNPs had stronger antimicrobial activity at low concentrations and when compared to commercial antibiotics.