Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extract and their Antimicrobial Activity
J. Environ. Nanotechnol., Volume 15, No 2 (June 2026) pp. 742-750
Abstract
This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis via a green, eco-friendly method and to test their antimicrobial activity. The novelty of this work lies in utilizing plant extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent without the use of harmful chemicals. Ag NPs were prepared using 2 mM AgNO₃ and confirmed by a UV–Vis absorption peak at 420 nm. The nanoparticles were grain-shaped, with an average size ranging from 13 to 61 nm, and exhibited a crystalline nature. All examined microorganisms, including two fungal species (Candida Tropicalis and Candida albicans) and four bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis), were significantly inhibited by the produced Ag NPs. The bacterial strain that exhibited the largest zone of inhibition was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 mm) at 100 µg/mL, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (9 mm) and Escherichia coli (8 mm). Bacillus subtilis showed the lowest susceptibility with a zone of inhibition of 7 mm. These results show the green-synthesised Ag NPs' broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and imply their applicability as potent antimicrobial agents.
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