Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles derived from marine bivalve Donax cuneatus (Linnaeus) and assessment of its antimicrobial potential

ABSTRACT

Rapid formation of stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) was observed on exposure of the aqueous extract of Donax cuneatus body tissue to 1 mM AgNO₃ solution. UV–visible spectrum showed a broad band at 450 nm wavelength, confirming for plasmon resonance line of Ag metallic nanoparticles. Size of synthesized Ag-NPs ranged between 5 and 50 nm. These Ag-NPs showed a significant antimicrobial effect against deadly human pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli.

KEYWORDS:

• Antimicrobial
• biosynthesis
• characterization
• Donax cuneatus
• silver nanoparticles

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Director, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India, for facilities and encouragement. The study was carried out under the COMAPS project supported by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India.