Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaves extract of Skimmia laureola: Characterization and antibacterial activity

•We report a novel ecofriendly medicinal plant resource Skimmia laureola for rapid biofabrication of silver nanoparticles.•Skimmia laureola extract composite with AgNPs showed enhanced antimicrobial potential.•Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were spherical in shape.

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using aqueous leaves extract of Skimmia laureola at room temperature. The color change in reaction mixture (pale yellow to dark brown) was observed during synthesis process. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed surface Plasmon resonance at around 460 nm. The spherical and hexagonal shapes and crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and XRD analysis. The bioactive chemicals constituent of leaf extract of S. laureola such as tritepenoids, skimmidiol and coumarins, were mainly involved in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, antibacterial potential of aqueous extract of S. laureola leaf and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles found to be potent agent against tested human pathogens and it is suitable nanomaterial for biomedical application.

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