Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Bark Extract of Terminalia arjuna and their Application as Next Generation Antibacterial Agents

Background: The antimicrobial properties of silver can be enhanced in the form of silver nanoparticles due to their specific physical, chemical, and biological properties, thus enabling their use in different antibacterial applications against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Objective: Present study was planned to evaluate the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from bark extract of Terminalia arjuna. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using 80% methanolic extract of Terminalia arjuna bark, followed by their characterization using UV-Visible spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The antibacterial activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles was analyzed against Escherichia coli MTCC1687, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538. Results: The silver nanoparticles were observed to inhibit microbial growth in a concentration-dependent manner (2-0.5mg/mL), and the cell death was confirmed using fluorescent microscopy. Conclusion: The antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles suggests that the synthesized nanoparticles can be used to treat bacterial infections of the skin.