Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract of Parkia speciosa Hassk pods assisted by microwave irradiation

This paper reports an investigation of the microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using extract of stinky bean (Parkia speciosa Hassk) pods (BP). The formation of Ag NPs was identified by instrumental analysis consists of UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. Furthermore, Ag NPs were used as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results indicate rapid formation of Ag NPs during microwave irradiation with similar properties to those obtained through the aging method. In general, the use of microwave irradiation yields larger particles, and it is affected by volume ratio of the extract to the AgNO3 solution. The prepared materials demonstrated antibacterial activity. (C) 2016 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Cairo University.