Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Lepidium meyenii and testing their antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Lepidium meyenii herb (maca) belongs to the cruciferous family that includes broccoli, radish, watercress, cabbage and turnip. It is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules and liquid extracts. Silver nanoparticles were made using the aqueous extract of maca root for the first time locally and worldwide. As a reducing agent, the extract was utilized. Several approaches were used to diagnose silver nanoparticles, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, FT-IR and UV-vis spectrophotometer analyses. The diagnostic results showed the formation of nanoparticles in various shapes, with a diameter ranging from 56.11 nanometers. The optimum conditions for the bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles were determined. The optimal conditions were pH 7, 37 °C, with a concentration of 1 mmol silver ions. These are the ideal conditions for making silver nanoparticles from L.meyenii. The antibacterial effectiveness of biosynthesized AgNP against Staphylococcus aureus was found to be very significant. This work promotes green synthesis of AgNP for a range of applications that require low toxicity and are ecologically friendly.