Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Myrtus Communis Extract

Abstract

In this work, antimicrobial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized from extract of Myrtus communis on different pathogenic bacteria and yeast was investigated. 10 mL of extract was mixed with 90 mL of 2 mM aqueous AgNO3 and heated at 70 °C for 3 min. A change from greenish to dark brown color was observed. Characterization using UV-VIS spectrophotometery and X- ray diffraction analysis were performed. The UV-Vis spectral analysis showed silver surface plasmon resonance band at 425 nm. X- ray diffraction showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic structure (FCC) of the bulk silver with broad beaks at 38.50° and 44.76°. Antimicrobial activity against six microorganisms was tested using well diffusion method. The synthesized silver nanoparticles efficiently inhibited various pathogenic organisms in a dose-dependent manner was more pronounced against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. The approach of green synthesis seems to be cost effective, eco-friendly and easy alternative to conventional methods of silver nanoparticles synthesis. The powerful bioactivity demonstrated by the synthesized silver nanoparticles leads towards the clinical use as antimicrobial.