Surface Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Silver Nanoparticles Using Phyto Extract and its Antimicrobial Properties Against Biological Contaminants

Enhancing stability and antimicrobial properties of nanomaterial and its application in biological field is a burgeoning field of research. In this study, silver nanoparticle decorated graphene oxide ((AgNP)-N-0@GO) nanocomposite were synthesized using ecofriendly method. Lantana camara plant extract was selected as a green reducing agent. High phytochemical constituents [Total Phenols-10.44 (TAE) and 9.95 (GAE), Total Tannins-5.98 (TAE) and 5.75 (GAE), Total Flavonoids-8687 mg QE/Kg] in aqueous phytoextract was responsible for the reduction of Ag+ into silver nanoparticles ((AgNP)-N-0). The successful formation of nanocomposite was confirmed by the characterization of GO and (AgNP)-N-0@GO by UV-VIS, FTIR spectroscopy and XRD. Morphology and size of nanocomposite was confirmed with SEM-EDX and HR-TEM imaging. Results showed that silver nanoparticles (Ag(0)NPs) with an average size of 51 and 76 nm from Debye-Shrerrer's equation and SEM, respectively were impregnated onto GO sheets. The antibacterial activity of synthesized nanocomposite was tested against bacteria and fungus using Kirby-Bauer test. The zone of inhibition was observed for Bacillus subtilis (21 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (18 mm), Escherichia coli (21 mm), Pseudomonas putida (21 mm) and Candida albicans (31 mm). Complete inhibition of Aspergillus niger was found at 400 mg/L. All results of the present study affirmed the potential applications of (AgNP)-N-0@GO as an antimicrobial agent against biological contaminants.