Green technology mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Momordica charantia fruit extract and its bactericidal activity

Abstract

Objective: The synthesis of nanoparticles from biological processes is evolving a new era of research interests in nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles are usually synthesized by chemicals and physical method, which are quite toxic and flammable in nature. This study deals with an environment friendly biosynthesis process of antibacterial silver nanoparticles using Momordica charantia fruit. Methods: AgNO3 (5 mM) was allowed to react with fruit extract of M. charantia. Biosynthesis of AgNPs was optimized by changing temperature, pH, and solvent. The silver nanoparticles so formed were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: UV-VIS spectra show absorption peak between 420 and 430 nm. The FTIR analysis showed the alcoholic, lactam, and nitro group present in the plant extract, which were responsible for the reduction in AgNPs. The SEM images showed the size distribution of the nanoparticles and the average size was found to be 50-100 nm. By DLS analysis and AFM analysis, average sizes of the silver nanoparticles were of 150 nm. The results of these analyses confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were tested against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains using disc diffusion method and were found to be effective. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles so synthesized in this study using fruit extract of M. charantia are simple, easy, and effective technique of nanoparticles production.