Characteristics and antibacterial activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using red spinach (Amaranthus Tricolor L.) leaf extract

In this study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is conducted using red spinach (Aramanthus tricolor) leaf extract. This study focuses on the synthesis optimization by investigating the effect of red spinach leaf extract volume percentage on the characteristics of silver nanoparticle AgNPs size distribution and antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli. AgNPs characterization was performed by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, particle size analysis, transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive-x-ray spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer and x-ray diffraction techniques. The experimental results indicate that AgNPs were successfully synthesized, and the particle size is affected by red spinach (A. tricolor) leaf extract volume percentage. At the range of 2-20%, the lower volume percentage produces AgNPs with uniform size (40.45 nm, polydispersity index = 0.063 nm) and spherical form. The smallest size of AgNPs demonstrates the highest antibacterial activity. [GRAPHICS] .