Phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Fumaria indica extract with antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties
摘要
The rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens has intensified the need for eco-friendly antimicrobial alternatives. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using extract of Fumaria indica, an ethnomedicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds. The successful synthesis of FI@AgNPs was confirmed by a color change and a characteristic UV–Vis absorption peak at 409 nm. XRD analysis revealed a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 22.09 nm, while SEM and EDX confirmed spherical morphology and high silver content. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited good antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with maximum inhibition observed against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Sensitivity was shown by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the Gram-positive strain getting as low as 20 µg/mL. Significant antifungal activity was also noted against Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. Furthermore, FI@AgNPs demonstrated enhanced antioxidant potential in both DPPH and FRAP assays, exceeding the activity of the crude extract. These findings suggest that FI@AgNPs possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making them promising candidates for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. This study reinforces the value of plant-based nanotechnology in developing effective alternatives to conventional therapeutics.