Green synthesis, characterization and biological activity of silver nanoparticles From Dicranum majus Turner

The exploitation of various plant compounds for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered a green technology because it does not involve any harmful chemicals. In the current study, we synthesized and characterized silver nanoparticles from Dicranum majus (Dm) Turner, a moss plant (Bryophyte). The occurrence of the visible color change from red to brown confirmed Dm silver nanoparticles (DmAgNPs). The DmAgNPs were characterized based on Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology, size, and elemental analysis of the prepared silver nanoparticles were examined using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and zeta potential (ZP). The distribution pattern of DmAgNPs particle size and stability were determined with the zeta potential analysis by zeta sizer. The maximum absorption of DmAgNPs was obtained at 422 nm by UV-Vis spectrometer. The presence of carbonyl compounds was demonstrated by FTIR, TEM. Zeta sizer analysis revealed the average size of the nanoparticles as 278.7 nm with-16.7 mV zeta potential demonstrates moderate stability. Considering its antibacterial activities, DmAgNP is more effective on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644), and Proteus vulgaris (NRRL B-123) bacteria; it has no mutagenic activity; cleaved DNA as a result of gel electrophoresis; Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method.