Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Leaf and Stem Extracts of Eclipta alba and their Medical Applications

Abstract

Abstract
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using plants has emerged as a simple and feasible alternative to more complex physical and chemical synthetic procedures. Nanoparticles synthesis through greener routes can be used in a safer mode for various human applications. In this work, we describe a cost effective and environment friendly technique for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from 1mM AgNO3 solution using leaf and stem extracts of Eclipta alba as reducing as well as capping agent. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized and the surface plasmon resonance was measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The antimicrobial efficacy of nanoparticles was determined by MIC, Well diffusion, and Mycelium reduction methods. It was observed that antibacterial activity of leaf & stem nanoparticles was maximum against Escherichia coli. The samples have shown the maximum antifungal activity against the pathogenic fungi Fusariumoxysporum. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity of the extracts and the synthesized nanoparticles were carried out. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Saponin, Phenol, Resin, Fixed Oil, Fixed Fat and Amino Acid whereas the compounds were absent in synthesized nanoparticles. The total antioxidant capacity was found to be increasing with increasing concentrations of extracts. We have also performed the antibacterial efficacy of cotton fabrics impregnated with the synthesized nanoparticles. The most important outcome of this work will be the development of pharmaceutical products from Eclipta alba for biomedical and nanotechnology based industries.
Keywords: Eclipta alba, Escherichia coli, nanoparticles, surface plasmon resonance