Size dependent application of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles against bacterial skin pathogens

Abstract

Objective: Bacterial skin infection is one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity in India. Mostly, it is caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus infections. However, because of antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains, treatment of skin infections is becoming increasingly difficult. The objective of this research is to study the effect of plant extract concentration on synthesis and morphology of biological silver nanoparticles and investigation of their activity against bacterial skin pathogens. Methods: Biological silver nanoparticles were synthesized using two concentrations (5 and 10 ml) of Aegle marmelos fruit pulp extract. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to analyze morphological features of nanoparticles. Antibacterial activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles was studied against the most common skin pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogen, using a well diffusion method. Results: The silver nanoparticles synthesized from 5 ml extract showed UV-absorbance peak at 430 nm with 14-18 nm size, while silver nanoparticles synthesized from 10 ml extract was showed the absorbance at 427 nm with 4-8 nm size. FESEM and HRTEM analysis revealed that both the silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Both nanoparticles have shown antibacterial activity among them silver nanoparticles synthesized from 10 ml extract showed better antibacterial activity. Conclusion: This research confirms that plant extract concentration modulate the rate of synthesis, morphology, surface plasmon resonance, and activity of biological silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from 10 ml extract can be used efficiently in the treatment of bacterial skin infections.