PHYTO SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF MICONIA CRENATA LEAF, AND ITS STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Utilizing Miconia crenata leaf aqueous extract as a bio-capping agent, the current study establishes an easy, sustainable process for manufacturing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). We investigated the possible activities of M. crenata leaf extract in converting silver ions. The UV demonstrated Surface Plasmon Resonance of Ag NPs, with a visible absorption peak at 400–410 nm and a band gap energy of 3.2 eV. The functional groups of silver oxide are correlated with the peaks found in the FT-IR spectrum, which range from 469.92 to 686.66 cm⁻¹. Using diffractogram sizes at 37.1°, 43.4°, 65.1°, and 76.8°, XRD spectra were used to identify the production of crystalline Ag Nps. SEM revealed a spherical nature with a diameter of 17.58 nm. The presence of elemental Ag was confirmed by EDX analysis, which showed a high absorption peak at 3 keV. The purity level of elemental silver was 30.24%, whereas that of Ag was 79.56%. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus at 60 µg/mL. Similarly, antifungal activity against Candida albicans and MIC was observed at 40 µg/mL with a 1.2mm, respectively. Ag NPs mediated by M. crenata showed an IC₅₀ value of 104 µg/mL and 95.90% scavenging activity at 200 µg/mL concentration. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of Ag NPs was demonstrated by protein denaturation at the IC₅₀ of 268.81 µg/mL. Additionally, the anti-arthritis activity decreased with increasing concentration. These studies revealed that M. crenata-derived Ag NPs contribute to the scientific knowledge of novel antimicrobial agents that combat drug-resistant microorganisms.