Antibacterial Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Satureja hortensis Extract on Isolated Bacillus cereus from Soil of Sistan Plain

Drug resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents is on the rise. Therefore, an alternative route to overcome drug resistance of various microorganisms is needed. This study was conducted to assess antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) produced by Satureja hortensis extract against Bacillus cereus isolated from soil of Sistan plain (Zabol, Southeastern Iran). Bacillus cereus was isolated from collected soil sles by serial dilution and agar plating method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of silver nanoparticles produced by Satureja hortensis extract were evaluated by microdilution method. AgNPs display Gaussian dispensation with a mean diameter of 17.58 nm with some deviations. The highest MIC value was 25ppm against one Bacillus cereus and the least MIC value was against two Bacillus cereus strains (12.5 ppm). The silver nanoparticles produced by Satureja hortensis extract owed antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity was based on the concentration of silver NPs to produce the most significant effect against Bacillus cereus.