GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING LEAVES EXTRACT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA L. FOR STUDIES AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENS

Abstract

There is an ever-increasing commercial demand for nanoparticles due to their extensive applicability in various markets, including medicine, catalysis, electronics, chemistry, and energy. In this report, a simple and eco-friendly chemical reaction for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Centella asiatica L. has been developed. Here we report for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles of varying sizes using aqueous extract of leaves of Centella asiatica L. at room temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles are evaluated for its antimicrobial activity against human pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 9542) which is a common agent for skin infections. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transmission Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Novelty of this present study is that the plant extract is very cost effective, eco-friendly; economic and effective alternative for the large scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles for antibacterial activity. The activity of the  conjugates is still an open question and needs further study.