Comparison of antimicrobial activity of bio-synthesized silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles using Lavandula stoechas leaf extract

In this study, the extract of Lavandula stoechas for production of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticle without use of any chemical agent was investigated. The silver (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) showed strong antibacterial activity against both tested Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) bacteria. The antibacterial activity of bio-synthesized nanoparticles against two pathogens was assessed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The MIC values ofAgNPs and ZnONPs of 10.63 mu g/mL and 12.5 mu g/mL for E.coli 0157:H7 AgNPs and Staphylococcus aureus against ZnONPs were at 3.32 mu g/mL and 6.25 mu g/mL respectively. Biologically synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Zeta potential analysis. This study concludes that the bio- synthesized AgNPs and ZnONPs may be used for effective antimicrobial activity, so can be projected as future generation antimicrobial agents and designing newer drugs.