Title:Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>'Selaginella bryopteris'</i> and Elucidation of its Antimicrobial Activity
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):Varsha Yadav, Neha Kapoor*, Soma M. Ghorai and Pradeep
Affiliation:Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, Department of Chemistry, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, Department of Chemistry, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007
Keywords:Biomimetic, silver nanoparticles, phytochemicals, antimicrobial activity, natural product, therapeutics.
Abstract:
Background: Biosynthesis of nanoparticles from aqueous leaf extract of ‘Selaginella bryopteris’
is a green chemistry approach and is considered to be one of the most efficient methods as it is
devoid of toxic chemicals as well as provides natural capping agents for the stabilization of synthesized
nanoparticles. ‘S.bryopteris’ also known as ‘Sanjeevani’ (in India), is thought to be prospective natural
resource that possesses extraordinary pharmaceutical potential.
Objective: S. bryopteris is exclusively native to India and has already been known for its expression of
stress-associated genes and high levels of protective metabolites of sugars, phenolic compounds, and
polyols. Its potential as an antibacterial agent is being elucidated.
Methods: Different leaf extract volumes, silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations, and reaction time were
investigated separately and the optimal conditions for the synthesis of AgNPs were suggested. The resulting
AgNPs were characterized by various techniques like Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy,
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and XRay
Diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial assays were carried out by using both agar disk and well diffusion
method.
Result: The AgNPs synthesized in this process were found to have efficient antimicrobial activity
against both Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial efficacy of S. bryopteris
was consciously tried on uropathogenic Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Bacillus
megaterium (Gram-positive bacteria) which have the self-limiting food poisoning potential along with
opportunistic uropathogenic bacterial strains namely Proteus mirabilis (Gram-negative bacteria) and a
non-pathogenic Micrococcus luteus (Gram-positive bacteria) for comparison.
Conclusion: S. bryopteris mediated silver nanoparticles’ synthesis is attempted for being cost-effective,
eco-friendly and safe for human therapeutics.