Ultrasonic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Prunus africana Plant Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity

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Date
2018
Authors
Kithokoi, J. Kilonzo
Ochoo, Lawrence
Maingi, John M.
Swaleh, Sauda
Njue, Wilson M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Modern Scientific Press
Abstract
Metal nanoparticles possess unique properties influenced by their size, distribution and morphology. There is increasing interest and demand in metal nanoparticles due to their wide applications in various fields such as medicine, electronics, catalysis, cosmetics and energy. Chemical and physical methods used in synthesis of nanoparticles are costly and unfriendly to the environment due to toxic chemicals involved. Green synthesis is rapid; cost friendly and involve non-toxic chemicals. Plants provide unique platform for green synthesis of metal nanoparticles over other green synthetic methods as they stabilize and cap the nanoparticles with biomolecules. In this study, Prunus africana stem bark extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on ultrasonic bath. The formation of AgNPs was monitored visually through colour change and by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis showed that the AgNPs were pure silver. HRTEM analysis indicated evenly distributed, monodispersed and spherical AgNPs with the average size of 23±3.06nm. FTIR analysis showed the presence of hydroxyl and -C=C- groups an indication of presence of phenolic compounds. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was tested against E. coli and S. aureus and were found to be toxic against these pathogens with maximum zones of inhibition of 14.21±0.208mm and 16.03±0.204mm respectively. MIC for both E. coli and S. aureus was 0.25mM. No previous reports on synthesis of silver nanoparticles using P. africana. The study contributes towards application of P. africana extracts in generation of novel silver nanoparticles for development of drugs useful in fight against bacterial infections
Description
article
Keywords
AgNPs, P. africana, HRTEM, EDX, antibacterial activity
Citation
Kithokoi, J.  Kilonzo. “Ultrasonic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Prunus Africana Plant Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity.” International Journal of Nano and Material Sciences, 5 Dec. 2018, www.ModernScientificPress.com/Journals/ijnanos.aspx.