Phyto-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Melia azedarach L. leaf extract: Characterization and antibacterial activity

Nowadays different methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles are under consideration due to their useful applications in different fields. These include physical and chemical methods but both of these are time-consuming, expensive and environmentally toxic. Biological methods are of great advantage due to their non-toxic and large scale synthesis. In the present study, leaves extract of Melia azedarach L. was used as a reducing agent of silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Bio-reduction was monitored by colour change using UV–Visible spectroscopy which revealed absorption peak at λmax 482 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to identify characteristics of synthesized particles. The synthesized particles were spherical with size ranging from 34 to 48 nm. The antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles against commonly found bacteria was assessed to find their potential use in silver containing antibacterial products.