Low-cost and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Prunus japonica (Rosaceae) leaf extract and their antibacterial, antioxidant properties

Abstract

Low cost and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using Prunus japonica leaves extract as reducing agent by a simple method at room temperature. The biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by UV-Vis, tunneling electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In UV-Vis spectroscopy results, the λ_max was observed at 441 nm. The AgNPs synthesized were spherical, hexagonal, and irregular in shapes. The EDAX and XRD spectrum confirmed the presence of silver ions and crystalline nature of synthesized AgNPs. FTIR showed the functional groups such as C = O, N–H and C–N groups involved in the reduction of Ag⁺to Ag. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was performed and it showed the percentage inhibition in concentration-dependent manner. The synthesized AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus to different extents and the higher activity was observed in Proteus vulgaris.

Keywords:

• Antibacterial
• antioxidant
• green synthesis
• Prunus japonica
• silver nanoparticles

Disclosure statement

The authors have no declaration of interest, and all the authors are responsible for the entire content of this research paper.

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support received from Hanseo University Intramural Research Grant 2014, and we extend our thanks to the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (Grant No. 2014–004694), for their partial financial support.