BIOGENIC SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING LEAVES EXTRACT OF Zanthoxylum armatum AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL
Plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis offers several advantages over conventional methods, including reducedtoxicity, enhanced stability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This study focused on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles(ZA-AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Zanthoxylum armatum(ZAE). The ZA-AgNPs werecharacterized using various advanced analytical techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a peak at 419nm. DLS analysis indicated an average Z-size of 159 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.343, and a zeta potential of - 16.3 mV, presenting a single peak. FE-SEM images showed spherical AgNPs within a size range of 30-50 nm. FTIRanalysis identified functional groups, displaying peaks within the range of 3437-600 cm-1 , while XRDconfirmedthecrystalline nature of the nanoparticles. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the silver nanoparticles was assessedagainst eight bacterial and six fungal strains. The ZA-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis at concentrations of 10-20 µg/mL. Additionally, they demonstratedpotent antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus niger at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Furthermore, the ZA-AgNPs displayed robust antioxidant activity in comparison to the ZAE in DPPH, RPA, andTAC assays. In conclusion, the study supports the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs from Z. armatumand highlightstheir antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
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