What question did this study set out to answer?

March 29, 2026

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Spermacoce alata Leaf Extract With Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Catalytic Performance

RDRajesh Debnath BDBijoy DasTripura University SPSuman PaulTripura University

Key Points

The research aims to explore the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Spermacoce alata leaf extract and evaluate their multifunctional properties.
Used Spermacoce alata leaf extract for nanoparticle synthesis
Characterized nanoparticles using techniques like UV-Vis, FTIR, and electron microscopy
Assessed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Performed ROS generation assays to understand oxidative stress mechanisms
Evaluated catalytic performance for dye degradation and p-nitrophenol conversion.
Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized as spherical with a size of approximately 18 nm
Demonstrated strong antibacterial effects against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 128 and 64 µg mL−1, respectively
Showed significant intracellular ROS generation, indicating an oxidative stress mechanism
Exhibited 70.88% antioxidant activity, surpassing the standard butylated hydroxytoluene
Demonstrated efficient catalytic activity in degrading organic dyes and converting toxic p-nitrophenol.

Abstract

This study reports, for the first time, the use of Spermacoce alata (SA) leaf extract as an efficient bioresource for the green synthesis of multifunctional silver nanoparticles (SA‐AgNPs). Comprehensive characterization by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), EDAX, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analyses confirmed the formation of predominantly spherical, crystalline, and well‐dispersed nanoparticles with an average size of ∼18 nm and good colloidal stability (−22.8 mV). The SA‐AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 128 and 64 µg mL −1 , respectively. The DCFH‐DA assay revealed significant intracellular ROS generation (173% in S. aureus and 79% in P. aeruginosa ), indicating an oxidative stress‐mediated antibacterial mechanism. Additionally, SA‐AgNPs showed concentration‐dependent antibiofilm activity against both pathogens, which was further supported by FE‐SEM analysis. The nanoparticles demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and enhanced antioxidant activity (70.88%), surpassing butylated hydroxytoluene (55.04%). Moreover, SA‐AgNPs displayed efficient catalytic performance in NaBH 4 ‐mediated degradation of organic dyes and rapid conversion of toxic p‐nitrophenol. Overall, this work establishes SA‐AgNPs as promising biogenic nanomaterials for antimicrobial and environmental remediation applications.

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper