Characterization and Antioxidant-Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Punica Granatum Extract

Abstract

In this study, low-cost, simple, and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed using pomegranate extract (Ag NPs/PG). Punica granatum extract acts as a reducing agent and capping agent in the synthesis of Ag NPs. The presence of Ag NPs/PG was analyzed using characterization methods such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD, TEM, and XPS analysis showed the presence elements, surface morphology, various shapes, and the presence of Ag NPs in the sample. The Ag NPs/PG particle sizes were found to be 5-45 nm in TEM analysis. By using the XRD technique, Ag NPs were determined to be a cubic crystal structure with face-centered. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Ag NPs/PG were also investigated. The enhanced biological activity of Punica granatum-mediated green synthesized Ag NPs was investigated based on antioxidant, antimicrobial, and DNA cleavage studies. The Ag NPs showed 91.6% DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical inhibition rate activity at the highest concentration (500 mg mL(-1)). It exhibited significant chemical nuclease activity. Ag NPs/PG had significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but gram-negative bacteria more susceptible than gram-positive. Biogenic synthesis of Ag NPs with the help of Punica granatum extract is a useful and environmentally safe synthesis technique. It is thought that Ag NPs obtained using Punica granatum may have potential use in the fields of nanomedicine, nanobiosensor, and nanobiotechnology in the near future.