Azadirachta indica-Derived Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Antimicrobial Applications

Advancement of biologically driven experimental procedure for the generation of metal nanoparticles is a major aspect in the domain of nanotechnology. Herein, we synthesized one pot silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Azadirachta indica (Neem plant) via green synthesis method. The alkaloids and flavonoids in the plant extract served as capping and reducing agent to develop silver nanoparticles. The characterization of synthesized AgNPs was performed using analytical techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. The synthesized AgNPs were further impregnated onto a cotton cloth and the antimicrobial studies were performed. The AgNPs embedded in cotton fabric were found to show zone of inhibition against the fungi Candida albicans, gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This experimental study suggests that the AgNPs impregnated on cotton cloth could have great potential for application in smart nanobandages for wound dressing, medical textiles, sports clothing, etc.