Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by using Stem, Leaves and Fruits Extracts of Umber (Ficus racemosa)

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using healthy plant parts like fruits, stem and leaves of Ficus racemosa. Methods: The collected plant samples were processed by cleaning, drying and grinding. Bioactive compounds were extracted by using Soxhlet extraction method. The 10mg of plant extract was added to 1mM AgNO 3 solution and incubated at 80°C for 3min. The UV-Vis spectroscopy was used for characterization of produced AgNPs. The synthesis process was optimized for pH (3 to 9), plant extracts conc. (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8mg/2ml), incubation temp. (50°C, 60°C upto 100°C) and silver salt conc. (0.125, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 and 2mM). Finally the antimicrobial and seed germination ability of synthesized AgNPs was determined. Results: The λ max values were found to be 464.50nm, 422nm and 489nm for fruits, stem and leaves respectively. FTIR spectra of control and test were determined which showed the different functional groups in the synthesized AgNPs. The optimum pH (9, 8 and 8), plant extracts conc. (8, 4 and 8mg), incubation temp. (80°C, 90°C and 100°C) and silver salt conc. (2mM, 1.5mM and 2mM) for fruit, stem and leaves AgNPs were determined. The selective NPs showed notable antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria like S. equorum and B. subtilis and significant effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed germination. Conclusion: The green synthesis process was found to be time saving and effective approach for the synthesis of the AgNPs from different plant parts. Produced NPs have potential applications in therapeutics and agriculture.

Compounds identified in plant extracts applied to agriculture and seed treatment

“…The maintenance of the seeds' sanitary quality, as well as the involved processes in their treatment, have been under the spotlight because it is one of the main spreading pathways of plant species (ANŽLOVAR et al, 2020). The fungi, insects, viruses and bacteria are among the organisms that influence directly the sprouting process, establishment in the field and storage of grains and seeds (SNEHA et al, 2020). Although, the main form of control still is based on the treatment with agrochemical products, the employment of these substances has been questioned, due to adverse impacts, such as the emergence of resistant species, residue of great persistence in the environment and damage to other organisms.…”

“…On account of different potentialities of plant extracts to the employment of agriculture, and considering that they were pointed out in pieces of research over the last ten years, researchers have been trying to identify and isolate compounds that are present in these extracts, including for the application in seed treatment (GHIMIRE et al, 2020;SNEHA et al, 2020;ANŽLOVAR et al, 2020).…”