Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of and -Mediated Silver Nanoparticles - An Study.

BACKGROUND

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the nanoparticles of silver between 1 nm and 100 nm in size. In this study, AgNPs were extracted from and which is a medicinal plant of Indian origin, worshipped by the Hindus and used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of AgNPs reinforced with the herb and against oral pathogens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the organisms used were , , sp., and . Agar well-diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the nanoparticles at 25 mL, 50 mL, and 100 mL. To assess the cytotoxic effect, brine shrimp lethality assay was used.

RESULTS

Zone of inhibition was found to be highest at 100 mL against , , sp., and . The cytotoxic activity at 5 mL and 10 mL was 0%. The maximum cytotoxicity was seen at 80 mL where 30% of the Nauplii's died.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study suggest that AgNPs reinforced with and extracts has the potential as an antimicrobial agent and has less cytotoxic effect on brime shrimp and can be used as an alternative to commercially available antimicrobial agents.