Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Pluchea sericea a Native Plants from Baja California, Mexico and their Potential Application as Antimicrobials

The use of natural plant extracts in the synthesis of nanoparticles provides advancement over chemical and physical methods, due to its cost effectiveness and environment friendly nature. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized with simple and green technique using Pluchea sericea plant leaf extract as reducer as well as stabilizer. The characterization and properties of AgNPs were investigated using UV-visible spectroscopic techniques, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. The UV-visible spectroscopic analysis showed the absorbance peak at 487 nm, which indicates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The experimental results showed silver nanoparticles having Z-average diameter of 59.20 nm with higher stability (-70.9 mV). The EDS analysis also exhibits presentation of silver element. Additionally, the different concentrations of AgNPs (25, 50, 75 and 100 %) showed antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Finally, AgNPs from leaf extracts of P. sericea may be used for antimicrobial activity against A. calcoaceticus. However, further studies will be needed to fully understand the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs and to determine if the microorganism can develop resistance toward these nanoparticles.