Antimicrobial activity of biochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe vera gel extract

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles by using plant extracts is presently under development. The study has been focused on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel as well as to determine their antimicrobial activity. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis showed surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) band at 440 nm, which is specific for AgNPs. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 66.6 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis of the aqueous extract before and after the synthesis of AgNPs revealed the presence of different functional groups related to phenolic and polyphenolic compounds such as tannins and flavonoids, and other metabolites like proteins, which may be responsible for the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity against the tested organisms as compared to gel extract and silver nitrate, which can gain attention of the pharmaceutical industry for preparation of antimicrobial agents of natural origin. Present study also supports the advantages of green method for the nanoparticles synthesis.