Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial efficacy

An efficient protocol for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the combination of aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia leaves and 5mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution was developed. This study revealed that bioactive compounds present in the extract function as stabilizing and capping agent for AgNPs. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope studies confirm the structure and surface morphology of the AgNPs. The size of synthesized AgNPs was in the range of 30-50nm having spherical morphology. The crystalline nature of NPs was defined by the X-ray diffraction pattern. The AgNPs were found to be toxic against pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and against plant pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum (MTCC 8608) and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (MTCC 8785). The use of AgNPs as antibacterial and antifungal agent is advantageous over other methods for control of pathogenic microorganisms, and it can be of great importance in developing novel drugs for curing many lethal diseases.