Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature using aqueous aloe leaf extract and antibacterial properties

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the aid of a novel, non-toxic, eco-friendly bio-logical material, namely aloe leaf extract (ALE). Crushed, ultrasound treated, decolorized aqueous aloe leaf extract was used for capping silver nitrate. Silver nanoparticles were formed when the reaction conditions were altered with respect to concentration of silver nitrate, consumption of hydrazine hydrate, ALE content and incubation temperature. The colorless reaction mixtures turned brown and displayed UV–visible spectra characteristic of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation revealed the predominance of silver nanosized crystallites after short incubation period. After the reaction mixtures were incubated for 30 days, the presence of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Great antimicrobial activity against bacterial cultures was displayed by these formed silver nanoparticles.

Transmission electron micrograph of silver nanoparticles synthesized with 10 ml of aqueous ALE, 1.0 mM silver nitrate incubated at room temperature for 20 min, the figure confirmed the spherical shape of particles and the size is 20 nm. The inhibition zone diameter between ALE and silver nanoparticles suggest biosynthesized silver nanoparticles display great antimicrobial activity towards the tested bacterial cultures (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature using aqueous aloe leaf extracts.
► XRD spectroscopy identified the faced center cubic (fcc) lattice of silver.
► TEM analysis confirmed the spherical shape of particles and the size is 20 nm.
► Aqueous aloe leaf extract acted as excellent capping agent for formation of silver nanoparticles.
► The obtained silver nanoparticles display great antimicrobial activity towards bacterial cultures.