Antimicrobial Efficiency of ‘Green’ Silver Nanoparticles Against Plant and Human Pathogens for Environmental Sanitation

TL;DR

This paper explores the antimicrobial effectiveness of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against plant and human pathogens, showing potential for sustainable soil sanitation.

Contribution

The study introduces biogenic silver nanoparticles with high antimicrobial efficacy and low environmental impact for soil sanitation.

Findings

AgNP#3 and AgNP#4 showed the highest antibacterial efficacy against tested pathogens.

AgNPs reduced Pseudomonas syringae populations without harming beneficial soil microbes.

AgNP#1 and AgNP#2 promoted Zea mays seed germination, indicating agricultural potential.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by ‘green’ methods using plant extracts have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents for combating soilborne pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of four AgNP formulations prepared using various reducing agents (AgNP#1, AgNP#2, AgNP#3, AgNP#4) against sanitary-indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae strains isolated from Zea mays plants was estimated. The results demonstrated that AgNP#3 and AgNP#4 exhibited the greatest antibacterial efficacy, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The soil incubation studies confirmed that AgNPs reduced the population of P. syringae without significant effects on beneficial soil microbiota. AgNP#1 and AgNP#2 exhibited a stimulatory effect on the Zea mays seed germination, bringing out their potential for agricultural applications. Thus, the developed biogenic AgNPs could serve as efficient antimicrobial agents for sustainable soil sanitation while minimizing environmental risks.

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