Facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Berberis vulgaris leaf and root aqueous extract and its antibacterial activity

Most recently, silver nanoparticles due to antibacterial properties have been considered in medical science. So the aim of the study was green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Berberis vulgaris leaf and root aqueous extract and its antibacterial activity. After collection, identification and extraction of Berberis vulgaris was performed production of silver nanoparticles. In the study effect of parameters such as AgNO₃ concentration (0.5, 1, 3, 10 mM), aqueous extract (3, 5, 10, 15, 30 mL) and contact time (1, 2, 6, 12, 24 h) were investigated in the synthesis of nanoparticles and also the antibacterial effect of these nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by Disk diffusion test and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration test (MIC). According to XRD results and analysis of TEM, nanoparticles have spherical shapes and size of 30 to 70 nm. On the other hand antibacterial tests showed these nanoparticles have more antibacterial activity more than other extracts. Result showed the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Berberis vulgaris is a clean, inexpensive and safe method that has not been used any toxic substance and consequently does not side effects and this nanoparticles has a high antibacterial activity.