Environmentally Benign and Economical Phytofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Juglans regia Leaf Extract for Antibacterial Study

The present study deals with the phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) from the leaf extract of Juglans regia and their antibacterial efficacy. The characterization of SNPs was achieved by UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It has been found that synthesized nanoparticles were crystalline, within the size range of 20–30 nm while having spheroid shape. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has confirmed the involvement of functional groups of bio-compounds in the capping and stabilization of the silver nanoparticles which further has been supported by quantitative phytochemical analysis of leaf extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed the involvement of alkaloids and flavonoids. These silver nanoparticles were applied against the commonly found human pathogens for their bactericidal activity. Statistical analysis showed that SNPs have significant antibacterial activity against these bacterial strains. The highest activity was recorded against Staphylococcus aureus (16 mm). This work supports the capability of using biomaterials towards the synthesis of SNPs, by adopting the principles of green chemistry and the application of nanoparticles as an antibacterial material.