One-step synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera leaves extract and their enhanced bactericidal activity

In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the extract of P. dactylifera leaves and tested its dose dependent potency against E. colt and K. pneumoniae. The morphological characteristics (size and shape) of our biogenic AgNPs were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Growth kinetic studies for E. colt and K. pneumoniae were performed in the presence of various concentrations of AgNPs (0, 8, 16, 32 and 64 mu g mL(-1)). 100% potency for E. coli (3.6 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1)) and K. pneumoniae (3.2 x 10(7) cfu mL(-1)) was achieved at the end of 3 h where the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against former and latter bacteria was 8 and 16 mu g mL(-1) respectively. Surface morphological analyses of the deceased bacteria indicate that AgNPs ruptured the cell membrane that led to bacterial death. Hence, our findings confirm that AgNPs developed from P. dactylifera leaves serve as a fast acting potent antibacterial agent. The feasible and cost-effective synthesis would make our developed method as a potential contender in pharmaceutical products and medical devices. (c) 2016 Elsevier E.V. All rights reserved.