Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous solution of Ficus benghalensis leaf extract and characterization of their antibacterial activity

The present study reports an environmentally friendly and rapid method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Although several articles have been reported for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from plant extract, here we have developed a green synthetic method for silver nanoparticles using Ficus benghalensis leaf extract which acts as a reducing and capping agent. It was observed that use of Ficus benghalensis leaf extract makes a fast and convenient method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and can reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles within 5 min of reaction time without using any harsh conditions. Silver nanoparticles so prepared were characterized by using UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope-energy dispersive spectra (TEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further, these nanoparticles show effective antibacterial activity toward E.coli MTCC1302 due to high surface to volume ratio.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Ficus benghalensis leaf extract act as reducing and capping agent. ► This method is eco-friendly because there is no use of hazardous chemicals. ► Nanoparticles were synthesized within few minutes. ► Particles were monodispersed, stable having average mean size of 16nm. ► Silver nanoparticles have potential antibacterial activity.