Optimization preparation of the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using watermelon and study of itsantibacterial activity

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology is the most active area of research in modern materials science. There is increased demand on nanoparticles because of their wide applicability in various areas; for example, electronics, catalysis, chemistry, energy and medicine. Commonly, silver nanoparticles are fabricated using toxic and flammable chemicals. Therefore, the aim of this work is to find a cost effective and environment-friendly technique for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution using watermelon extract. The different parameters were optimised for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles including the contact time, concentration of watermelon extract, concentration of silver nitrate solution, reactant ratio, and reaction temperature. The fabricated nanoparticles were characterised using different instruments such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry and their size determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while the element composition of the sample was obtained from the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum. The antibacterial effect of the fabricated silver nanoparticles against two human pathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) was studied and the obtained results confirm the fact that SNPs have the antibacterial property of nanoparticles. Keywords : Synthesis Silver Nanoparticle; Watermelon Extract; Green Chemistry; Antibacterial Activity.