Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aerial extract of Salvia leriifolia Benth and evaluation of their antibacterial and photo-catalytic properties

We have synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) via a simple and eco-friendly method through the utilization of aqueous aerial parts of Salvia leriifolia Benth. The formation of Ag-NPs was indicated by varying the observed colors towards dark red. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were characterized with diverse instrumental tools, e.g., UV-Vis, XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, and FTIR. As for the results, Ag-NPs formation using silver nitrate (1.0mM) led to the development of EMly shaped nanoparticles with a mean diameter of about 12.7nm. Moreover, the green synthesized Ag-NPs seemed to demonstrate a higher antibacterial activity in opposition to pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Maximum inhibition zone belonged to E. coli with 10.5mm. Also, biosynthesized Ag-NPs seem to contain satisfying photocatalytic activity against stable organic compound (i.e., Methylene Blue). This process may be extended for the vast scale preparation of metal nanoparticles for various industrial applications.