Biosynthesis and characterization of Dillenia indica‐mediated silver nanoparticles and their biological activity

Dillenia indica L. is a traditional medicinal plant well known for its ability to cure various human diseases. In the current study, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by simple and eco‐friendly method using Dillenia indica extract. The green synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), Zeta Potential and Size Distribution. UV–visible and FTIR spectra, AFM, HR‐TEM and Zeta Potential readings and size distribution conformed that the synthesized silver particles were in the size of nano. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were subjected for antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli by agar well diffusion method. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant inhibition of 27 and 16 mm against the test bacteria at 0.25 mg/ml. Further the antibacterial activity was confirmed by live and dead cell assay by fluorescence microscopy and morphological changes of bacteria were studied by Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study recommends that the synthesized silver nanoparticles using Dillenia indica extract have potential application in inhibition of bacteria owing to their potent antibacterial activity. • Dillenia indica extracts served as reducing agents and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of AgNPs.• Characterization of NPs resulted in identification of functional biomolecules possessing antimicrobial in nature.• Synthezed NPs exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties.