Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Persicaria odorata (L.) sojak leaves extract

Abstract

Recent findings suggested that plant-mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit significant antibacterial property, yet the exact mechanisms and toxicity remain unraveled. Hence, this present study aims to utilize the leaves extract from Persicaria odorata (L.) Sojak as the reducing agent for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (PO-AgNPs) and to evaluate their antibacterial properties. The formation of PO-AgNPs was verified by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer which revealed an absorption peak at around 440 nm. Further characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of biomolecules from the leaves extract, which was responsible for the productions of PO-AgNPs and the crystalline nature of the PO-AgNPs. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images revealed the spherical structure of PO-AgNPs. Disc diffusion and time-kill assay results showed that PO-AgNPs exhibited inhibition against tested Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S. aureus, and S. epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, these results further consolidate that PO-AgNPs possess good antibacterial properties. The inhibition mechanisms of PO-AgNPs against those pathogenic bacteria will be investigated in future works, particularly to explain how PO-AgNPs caused toxicity in bacteria.