Synthesis of Taverniera nummularia-mediated Silver Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

This study was designed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Taverniera nummularia leaf extract through a green synthesis approach and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extracts of Taverniera nummularia leaves as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. The UV–visible spectrum showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 407 nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis revealed hydroxyl functional groups from plant biomolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ions. SEM analysis confirmed spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 120–200 nm. XRD patterns demonstrated the crystalline structure of the synthesized nanoparticles. The green synthesized AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial species. Additionally, significant free radical scavenging activity was observed in DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide assays, indicating notable antioxidant potential. Taverniera nummularia leaf extract is an effective reducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrate promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and may have potential applications in biomedical research, particularly in the development of nano-drug delivery systems and other clinical applications.