Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cymbopogon citratus and their antimicrobial activity

Abstract

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study focuses on the eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) and assesses their antibacterial efficacy against various pathogenic bacterial strains. Through a green synthesis approach, silver ions were successfully reduced to nanoparticles, facilitated by the natural phytochemicals in Cymbopogon citratus. Characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Particle Size Analysis ( PSA ), confirmed the formation of spherical AgNPs with a size range of 40-60 nm. Antibacterial assays revealed that the synthesized AgNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial strains i.e. 8.6 mm for E.coli, 9.3 mm for S.ss aureus, 8.0 mm for T. viride and 8.2 mm for A. awamori. These findings suggest that Cymbopogon citratus not only acts as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of AgNPs but also enhances their antibacterial properties, offering a promising alternative in the battle against bacterial infections.