Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Carica papaya Leaf Extract and Their Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66838/J.Carcinog.23.1.1035-1041Keywords:
Innovation, Sustainability, Carica papaya, Silver nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Antimicrobial activity, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy.Abstract
Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms has necessitated the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods. Carica papaya leaves are rich in bioactive phytochemicals that can act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle synthesis.
Aim: The present study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Carica papaya leaf extract, characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, and evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Materials and Methods: Aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya was prepared and utilized for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans at concentrations of 25 and 100 µg/mL.
Results: UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation through the appearance of a characteristic absorption band around 260–280 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl, amine, and phenolic functional groups involved in nanoparticle reduction and stabilization. SEM images demonstrated irregularly shaped and aggregated nanoparticles. Antimicrobial studies revealed significant inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, with inhibition zones of 23 mm and 28 mm respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration.
Conclusion: Carica papaya leaf extract-mediated silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and exhibited promising antimicrobial activity. The synthesized nanoparticles may serve as potential candidates for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
