Afzelia quanzensis bark extract for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and study of their antibacterial activity

In the present study, Afzelia quanzensis bark extract was tested for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Based on UV–Vis spectrum analysis, the characteristic absorption band was observed at 427 nm. Furthermore, the size and shape of the nanoparticles ranged from 10 to 80 nm and were spherical in shape as observed through SEM analysis. In addition, the X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the silver nanoparticles are crystalline in nature and have a face-centred cubic structure. Based on FTIR analysis, the presence of phytochemical functional groups such as carboxyl (–C=O) and amine (N–H) in Afzelia quanzensis bark extract further confirmed the responsible reducing agents for nanoparticles formation. Interestingly, the synthesized silver nanoparticles at 50 mg/L concentration showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.