Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Saccharum officinarum and its antimicrobial activity

The present Letter deals with the rapid green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fresh leaves of Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane). Silver nanoparticles were formed by treatment of aqueous solution of AgNO₃ (1 mM) with fresh leaves extract of S. officinarum. Rapid synthesis was achieved within a few minutes with increased pH and microwave irradiation. UV-vis specrophotometric analysis was carried out to assess the formation of silver nanoparticles. Microwave irradiation mediated synthesised silver nanoparticles were further characterised by using nanoparticle tracking analyser, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectra. Silver nanoparticles with controlled size and shape were observed under TEM micrograph. Silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against multiple drug resistant hospital isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis and hospital isolates of Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus feacalis. The antifungal activity was checked against Candida albicans (hospital isolate) and Aspergillus niger (NCIM 616). The synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles along with antibiotics against multiple drug resistant hospital isolates was found to be effective. The extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaves of S. officinarum appears to be rapid, cost effective and eco-friendly.