Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Fig (ficus Carica) Leaves: a Potential Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Environmentally friendly methods for obtaining nanomaterials see a great interest. In addition to being inexpensive, the easy implementation process and the advantages of synthesis without toxic chemicals are the main reasons of interest. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized using fig (Ficus carica) leaf extract. The formation and the presence of AgNPs were observed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). Peaks with a maximum wavelength of 419 nm are identified in the measurements. Phytochemicals in the extract responsible for functional groups providing reduction and stability were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) data. The Scanning electron microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrum (SEM-EDX) analysis showed that the AgNPs were spherical and the elemental composition contained mostly silver. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) results revealed that the peaks 111 degrees, 200 degrees, 220 degrees and 311 degrees belong to the characteristic structure of silver and have a crystal dimension of 17.30 Nm using Debye-Scherrer equation. In thermogravimetric - differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) analysis, the degradation temperatures of AgNPs were evaluated. AgNPs showed antimicrobial activity on various microorganisms even at very high concentrations. As a solution to the antimicrobial search, it can be developed in medical industry.