Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. seed extract and its antibacterial activity

A novel approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3()) by using Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam, seed powder extract (ASPE), as a reducing agent has been reported in the present work. The seed contains jacalin, a lectin which is a single major protein representing more than 50% of the proteins from the jackfruit crude seed extract having several biological activities. The reaction of ASPE and AgNO3 was carried out in an autoclave at 15 psi, 121 degrees C for 5 min and the biosynthesis of the AgNPs in solution was monitored by measuring the UV-vis spectroscopy. The morphology and crystalline phase of the NPs were determined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The AgNPs synthesized were generally found to be irregular in shapes with an average size 10.78 nm. The FTIR spectra indicated the role of amino acids, amides group I in the synthetic process. The AgNPs thus obtained showed highly potent antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphyloccocus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) microorganisms. The results confirmed that the ASPE is a very good eco friendly and nontoxic source for the synthesis of AgNPs as compared to the conventional chemical/physical methods. Therefore, A. heterophyllus seed provides future opportunities in nanomedicine by tagging nanoparticles with jacalin. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.