Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract

In this study, rapid, simple approach was applied for synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica aqueous leaf extract. The plant extract acts both as reducing agent as well as capping agent. To identify the compounds responsible for reduction of silver ions, the functional groups present in plant extract were investigated by FTIR. Various techniques used to characterize synthesized nanoparticles are DLS, photoluminescence, TEM and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. UV–Visible spectrophotometer showed absorbance peak in range of 436–446 nm. The silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activities against both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms. Photoluminescence studies of synthesised silver nanoparticles were also evaluated. Results confirmed this protocol as simple, rapid, one step, eco-friendly, non-toxic and an alternative conventional physical/chemical methods. Only 15 min were required for the conversion of silver ions into silver nanoparticles at room temperature, without the involvement of any hazardous chemical.