Optimization of Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis by Banana Peel Extract Using Statistical Experimental Design, and testing of their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties.

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Banana Peel Extract (BPE), and characterized using UV- Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV - Vis absorbance spectroscopy showed the characteristic plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 433 nm. Nanoparticle size (between 5 and 9 nm) was measured using AFM, whereas their crystallinity was shown by XRD. FTIR identified the ligands that surround the nanoparticle surface. The synthesis conditions were optimised using Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and BPE concentrations (0.25- 2.25 mM, 0.2- 1.96 % v/v respectively), incubation period (24 - 120 h) and pH level (2.3 - 10.1) were chosen as the four independent factors. The fitting parameters (i.e. the wavelength at peak maximum, the peak area, and the peak width) of a Voigt function of the UV- Vis spectra were chosen as the responses. An optimum combination of all independent factors was identified (BPE concentration 1.7 % v/v, AgNO3 concentration 1.75 mM, incubation period 48 h, pH level 4.3), giving minimum peak wavelength and peak width. The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the tube dilution test. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of E. coli, whereas S. aureus growth was not affected. However, no superiority of AgNPs compa...
Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - Category: Biotechnology Authors: Tags: Curr Pharm Biotechnol Source Type: research