Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zea mays and exploration of its biological applications

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been proved to be a cost effective and environmental friendly approach toward chemical and physical methods. In the present study, biosynthesis of AgNPs was carried out using aqueous extract of Zea mays (Zm) husk. The initial colour change from golden yellow to orange was observed between 410 and 450 nm which confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. Also, dynamic light scattering-particle size analysis confirmed the average size to be 113 nm and zeta potential value of -28 kV. The morphology of synthesised ZmAgNPs displayed flower-shaped structure, X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the strongest peaks at 2θ = 38.6° and 64° which proved that the nanoparticle has the face centred crystalline structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed strong absorption bands at 1394.53, 2980.02 and 2980.02 cm^-1 due to the presence of alkynes, carboxylic acids, alcoholic and phenolic groups. The maximum zone of inhibition was observed against Salmonella typhi (22 mm) and Candida albicans (18 mm). The synthesised nanoparticles exhibited more free radical scavenging activity than the aqueous plant extract. This is the first report on the synthesis of AgNP from Zm husk, delivers the efficient and stable ZmAgNPs through simple feasible approach toward green biotechnology.