GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM MARIGOLD FLOWER: CHARACTERIZATION AND SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL

Author (s) : S.Kalaivani & S.Menaka

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Abstract :
The increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to nanoparticle synthesis has led to a surge of interest in the utilization of plant extracts for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. In this study, we report the successful green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using marigold flower (Tagetes spp.) extract. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized through a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally benign method, without the use of hazardous chemicals, making it an attractive alternative to conventional synthesis techniques.The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques to understand their physicochemical properties. UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed a characteristic absorption peak in the range of 400-450 nm, indicating the formation of AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis displayed spherical and polydisperse nanoparticles with an average size ranging from 10 to 50 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and the presence of silver as the predominant phase.Furthermore, the synergistic antimicrobial potential of the synthesized AgNPs was investigated. The combination of marigold flower extract and silver nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to their individual components. The AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (e.g., Escherichia coli) bacteria. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited antifungal activity against common pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans.   The observed synergistic antimicrobial potential can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the phytochemicals present in the marigold flower extract and the nanoscale properties of the silver nanoparticles. The combination of natural compounds and nanoparticles offers a novel strategy to combat microbial infections more effectively and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.In conclusion, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from marigold flower extract offers a sustainable and biocompatible alternative for nanoparticle production. The synergistic antimicrobial potential of the synthesized AgNPs opens up promising avenues for their applications in various biomedical and environmental fields, such as wound healing, drug delivery, and water disinfection. However, further research is warranted to explore the precise mechanisms of the enhanced antimicrobial activity and to evaluate the nanoparticles' biocompatibility for potential clinical applications.

Keywords : nanoparticles, biocompatible alternative, X-ray diffraction.

Conference Date : 30/08/2019

Pages : 178-179

Paper ID : 19173