MICROBIAL GENERATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES BY SYNTHESIZING ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS STRAIN MI103

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have recently attracted attention for their potential as a source of new antimicrobials, with the potential to better fight a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. Nanomaterials are now commonly used for the production of industrial and domestic items.  As a result of increase in the menace and threats to live by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, nanoparticles have been proposed as alternative for its control. Enterococcus faecalis, strain MI103, was selected out of four isolates obtained from a soil sample and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. The selected bacterial isolate synthesized AgNPs by reduction of Silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution (incubated for 2 days at room temperature). Colour development from pale yellow to brown was observed which indicated the extracellular production of AgNPs.  AgNPs was further characterized by UV/VIS spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (JOEL-JSM-7660F) (shape) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) (composition).  The synthesized AgNPs ranged in size of 90-100 nm and were of cylindrical shape. It was found that the highest quantity of AgNO₃ was produced at pH 7. The synthesized AgNPs had strong bactericidal activity against MRSA.