Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rheum palmatum root extract and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using aqueous root extracts of Rheum palmatum and characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The nanoparticles were found to be in hexagonal and spherical shapes. The average particle size was found to be 121 ± 2 nm with zeta potential values of −21.6 mv by dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of R. palmatum revealed 35 compounds. The synthesized AgNPs showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with IC₉₀ values of 15 μg/ml and IC₅₀ values of 7.5 μg/ml, respectively. The protein leakage level was high and morphological changes occurred in bacteria treated with AgNPs.

Keywords:

• Antibacterial
• green synthesis
• Rheum palmatum
• SEM
• silver nanoparticle
• XRD

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Chang Hyun Lee, GBST, Seoul National University for his technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declaration of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding information

The authors would like to acknowledge their sincere appreciation to National Institute of Animal Science, RDA for its funding through the Research project NO (PJ010168).