Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Prosopis farcta: a green nanotechnology approach for enhanced antimicrobial activity

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts provides a non-toxic and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. This study reports the novel biosynthesis of AgNPs using the leaf extract of Prosopis farcta as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy (200–600 nm). Comprehensive characterization via FT-IR, FESEM, XRD, and DLS revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical with an average diameter of 39 nm ( p < 0.05) and high colloidal stability (zeta potential: -49.7 mV). The antibacterial efficacy of these AgNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Results demonstrated potent antibacterial activity, with a concentration of 15.3 µ g/mL producing a maximum inhibition zone of 14 ± 0.9 mm against Staphylococcus aureus . This efficacy is comparable to commercial antibiotics such as gentamicin and ciprofloxacin.