Controllable synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Neem leaves and their antimicrobial activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves and silver salt. XRD, SEM, FTIR, optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) were measured and analysed. The synthesized AgNPs exhibits lowest energy absorption band at 400 nm. The effects of various parameters i.e., extract concentration, reaction pH, reactants ratio, temperature and interaction time on the synthesis of AgNPs were studied. It was found that the formation of AgNPs enhanced with time at higher temperature and alkaline pH. The AgNPs formed were found to have enhanced antimicrobial properties and showed zone of inhibition against isolated bacteria (Escherichia coli) from garden soil sample. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the resources obtained from plants can be efficiently used in the production of AgNPs and could be utilized in various fields such as biomedical, nanotechnology etc.