Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Citrus sinensis peel extract and its antibacterial potential

In this research study, we reported a convenient and environmentally friendly method for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Citrus sinensis (navel orange) peel. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were identified by colour change from colourless to dark brown due to surface plasmon resonance. The optimal synthesis condition for the AgNPs was determined by varifying different parameters such as peel extract concentration, temperature, AgNO3 concentration, effect of ratio of peel extract to AgNO3 solution, pH and reaction time. The synthesized nanoparticles were identified using the UV-vis spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of peel extract was performed to determine the presence of the alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, triterpenes and tannins. The presence of the phytochemicals were also confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. The synthesized silver nanoparticle also revealed good antibacterial activity against some important bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.