Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the seed extract of Ensete superbum and their antibacterial activity assessment

Abstract

Seeds of Ensete superbum have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat kidney stones and diabetes. The current work report the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antibacterial property. The synthesis of AgNPs was done by mixing silver nitrate solution with aqueous E. superbum seed extract. The pale-yellow colour of the seed extract was changed to deep brown due to the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs, under ambient conditions. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out by UV–Visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. The peak absorbance of the UV–Vis spectra was at 420 nm confirming the formation of AgNPs. TEM showed the existence of spherical and hexagonal-shaped nanoparticles. XRD results show that the AgNPs were face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices. FTIR analysis established a link that the presence of different classes of compounds viz. flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids in E. superbum seed extract is responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The current study aims to point out the application of AgNPs as an antibacterial agent against S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and V. cholerae, using the well diffusion method. The AgNPs effectively inhibited bacterial growth against P. aeruginosa and S. typhi.