Abstract

In this paper, a probiotic microbe mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reported. The synthesis of AgNPs was monitored by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The particles thereby obtained were characterized by UV spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and using particle size analysis. The mechanism leading to nanoparticle formation was studied by using nitrate reductase assay. The bactericidal effect against common gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria has also been investigated. The results indicate a high antimicrobial activity for gram-negative organism so that this material can be a promising antimicrobial compound.

Key words: Brevibacterium linens, biosynthesis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), antimicrobial activity.

Abbreviation

AgNPs, Silver nanoparticles; FTIR, Fourier transform infrared; SEM,scanning electron microscopy; EDS, energy dispersive spectroscopy.