Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in conjunction with Psidium guajava leaf extract and exploration of its potential as an antimicrobial agent

Formulation and application of metallic nanoparticles in conjunction with phytoconstituents of biologically active plants are drawing attention due to their economical prospectus and eco-friendly alternatives. Current research was dealing with formulation of silver nanoparticles loaded film containing ethanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava and evaluates its microbicidal potential to treat gum infection. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out by reacting silver nitrate with Psidium guajava extract and confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Nanoparticles were evaluated for morphology, elemental analysis, particle size, zeta potential and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and E-coli microbes. Further, these nanoparticles were loaded in film and evaluated. UV-visible spectroscopic peak of nanoparticles at 346 nm confirmed its synthesis. Particles were spherical and present in the form of clusters. Elemental analysis detected the presence of silver, sulfur, carbon and iron. Particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of silver nanoparticles were 324.4 ± 2.36 nm 0.6 ± 0.02 and -43.4 ± 1.33 mV, respectively. Nanoparticle-loaded film exhibited average weight, thickness and folding endurance in range of 0.25 ± 0.01 to 0.42 ± 0.01g, 0.030 ± 0.002 to 0.054 ± 0.002 mm and 130 ± 7.5 to 150 ±12.5 times, respectively. Disintegration time and tensile strength of films ranged between 11.06 ± 0.04 to 1.13 ± 0.02 min and 3.14 ± 0.04 to 5.10 ± 0.01 N /cm2. Zone of inhibition of film against E. coli and S. aureus was 56 ± 1.1 mm and 58 ± 1.3 mm, respectively. These results were conclusive of the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles for management of gum and teeth infection.