Microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Origanum majorana and Citrus sinensis leaf and their antibacterial activity: a green chemistry approach

Abstract

Background

Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) play important role in the field of optics and electronics and also as a novel antibacterial agents. Here, we report a simple and green method for the biosynthesis of SNPs using aqueous leaf extract of Origanum majorana and Citrus sinensis as a novel bio source of cost-effective, non-hazardous reducing, and stabilizing agents. A 3 mM solution of silver nitrate was prepared. Five milliliter aqueous leaf extract was slowly added to 20 ml silver salt solution (3 mM) with constant stirring. No noticeable color change was observed. The solution was then heated in domestic microwave for variable time intervals. The intense brown colored solution was obtained on 1 min heating with O. majorana and 5 min heating with C. sinensis extract. The intense brown color indicated the formation of SNPs. The antibacterial activity of synthesized SNPs was investigated.

Results

SNPs were rapidly synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of O. majorana and C. sinensis on microwave irradiation. Formation of SNPs was confirmed by the change in color from yellowish green to brown and absorption maximum around ~420 and 410 nm due to surface plasmon resonance of SNPs. They were also characterized by other physical–chemical techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. TEM analysis showed the presence of feather-shaped NPs in O. majorana and spherical as well as cubical-shaped NPs in C. sinensis-mediated SNPs. The synthesized SNPs showed significance antibacterial activity against two human pathogenic strains.

Conclusion

The SNPs were synthesized using leaf extract of plants. This synthesis method is nontoxic, eco-friendly, and a low-cost technology for the large-scale production. The SNPs can be used as a new generation of antibacterial agents.

Keywords

Green synthesis / Origanum majorana / Citrus sinensis / Antibacterial activity

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Funding

University of Delhi (IN)