Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Tagetes erecta: Extract Characterization, Morphological Modification Using...

Area of Science:

• Green synthesis of nanomaterials
• Biotechnology and Nanotechnology

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess unique properties influenced by their size and shape.
• Controlling AgNP morphology is crucial for optimizing their applications.
• Tagetes erecta extract (TEE) contains phenolic compounds suitable for nanoparticle biosynthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To biosynthesize AgNPs using TEE with controlled morphologies.
• To investigate the effect of nucleating/structure-directing agents on AgNP shape.
• To evaluate the antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs and TEE.

Main Methods:

• Autoclave method for AgNP biosynthesis using TEE and silver nitrate.
• Incorporation of sodium chloride (S), gum Arabic (G), or talc powder (T) as modifying agents.
• Phytochemical analysis of TEE and characterization of AgNPs using SEM, TEM, UV-vis, and XRD.

Main Results:

• AgNPs with diverse morphologies (spheres, rods, ribbons, wires) were successfully synthesized.
• The choice of modifying agent (S, G, or T) dictated the AgNP morphology.
• Both TEE and synthesized AgNPs exhibited bacteriostatic effects against E. coli and E. faecalis.
• Sodium chloride as a nucleating agent enhanced the antibacterial activity of AgNPs.

Conclusions:

• Tagetes erecta extract is an effective source for green synthesis of AgNPs.
• Morphological control of AgNPs is achievable using specific additives.
• Biosynthesized AgNPs and TEE show promising antibacterial properties, particularly when synthesized with a nucleating agent.