GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF Kalanchoe densiflora AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

The environment is severely getting contaminated by the use of chemicals for the production of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles from the aqueous leaf extract of Kalanchoe densiflora without the use of any harsh chemicals. The plant leaf extract showed both the reducing and capping activity. A distinct peak between 420-435 nm was observed due to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) induced by nanoparticles in UV-Vis spectroscopy. The size and morphology of the newly synthesized nanoparticles were observed by Transmission Electron Microscope. The average size of the nanoparticles was 45 nm. An effective antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the silver nanoparticles against both Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) and Escherichia coli (gram negative). Antioxidant activity using DPPH showed reduction of DPPH by silver nanoparticles. Higher levels of total flavonoid and phenolic components were observed. Overall, the study suggested the formation of silver nanoparticles from the leaf extract of K. densiflora in less than 20 min without the use of any harsh or toxic chemical. This method thus can pave the way for the eco-friendly production of silver nanoparticles without any chemical contamination.