Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Turmeric Extract and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through a green method using Curcuma longa (turmeric) extract and to evaluate their antibacterial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria. The aqueous extract of turmeric rhizomes was prepared and used as both a reducing and stabilizing agent during nanoparticle formation. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a characteristic absorption peak at approximately 430–450 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of AgNPs. SEM and FTIR analyses further indicated that the nanoparticles had an average size of 53.59 nm and exhibited an absorption peak at 450 nm nanoparticles were predominantly spherical in shape and that phenolic and terpenoid compounds in the turmeric extract contributed to nanoparticle stabilization. Both S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa demonstrated zones of in hibition when exposed to the silver nanoparticles, indicating their potent antibacterial activity. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated significant inhibitory activity that exceeded that of the crude plant extract, with inhibition zone diameters increasing proportionally with nanoparticle concentration. These findings suggest that green synthesis of AgNPs using turmeric extract is an efficient and environmentally friendly approach, with promising potential for use as a natural antimicrobial agent in medical and industrial applications.