Biosynthesis, characterisation and anti-bacterial effect of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles using Artemisia nilagirica

Currently, there is an increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their wide applicability in various markets, such as medicine, catalysis, electronics, chemistry and energy. In this report, a simple and eco-friendly chemical reaction for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Artemisia nilagirica (Asteraceae) has been developed. Silver nitrate was used as the metal precursor and hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterise the nanoparticles obtained from A. nilagirica. The morphology of the AgNPs was determined by SEM and the average diameter of the particles was determined as 70–90 nm. The EDX analysis of the nanoparticles dispersion, using a range of 2–4 keV, confirmed the presence of elemental silver, with no other impurity peaks detected. In addition, the characterised AgNPs has the potential for various medical and industrial applications. The results showed that microbial susceptibility to AgNPs is different for each microorganism.

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► The developed protocol should be in eco-friendly methods.
► Environmental-friendly antimicrobial nanopaint can be developed.
► Synthesised silver nanoparticles can be used for water filtration.
► Synthesised silver nanoparticles can be used for wound healing, better cosmetic appearance and scarless healing when tested using an animal model.
► The Fe3O4 attached Ag nanoparticles can be used for the treatment of water and easily removed using magnetic field to avoid contamination of the environment.
► Silver impregnated medical devices like surgical masks and implantable devices show significant antimicrobial efficacy.