Antimicrobial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Waste Leaves of (Doum Palm).

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized for the first time from waste leaves extract of local doum palms in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed a spherical shape with a particle size from 18 to 33 nm. The d-spacing is about 2.6 Å, which confirms a face-centered cubic crystalline building. The biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated as an antimicrobial agent against several pathogenic bacteria, including ATCC 25922, ATCC 29213, and ATCC 27853. The highest action was exerted against ATCC 29213 (MIC = 1.5 µg/mL). Interestingly, AgNPs also showed anticandidal activity against the pathogenic yeasts ATCC 14053 (MIC = 24 µg/mL) and ATCC 13803 (MIC = 96 µg/mL). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed deep morphological changes in spp. due to the treatment of the AgNPs. Scarce pseudohyphae, perforation, exterior roughness, irregularly shaped cells, and production of protective exopolysaccharide (EPS) were the main features. In conclusion, the process of biosynthesis of AgNPs from the aqueous leaf extract of is environmentally compatible and induces the biosynthesis of tiny AgNPs that could be a promising candidate in biomedical applications, including antimicrobials against some pathogenic bacteria and yeasts.