Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Antibacterial Activity Enhancement

Abstract

In this study, a green, facile method was implemented for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The effect of pH, temperature, content of sage extract, ionic solution concentration, and reaction time was investigated using aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis as a bioreducing and capping agent in a single step biosynthesis. All these factors showed a significant influence on the synthesis rate, size and shape of the AgNPs. The optimum synthesis conditions were at pH 10, 10mM [Ag+], 5 days reaction time, 2:5 volume ratio extract: [Ag+] and 60°C. The prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR and X-Ray Diffraction. According to the observed results, the synthesized AgNPs were confirmed and showed a spherical morphology and a particle size of 30.9 nm. Furthermore, the AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and enhancement for antibiotic activity. Further research is needed to develop more this approach and to investigate the effects of AgNPs.