Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Ag/Fe2O3 Nanocomposite Using Buddleja lindleyana Extract

Abstract

In the study reported in this manuscript, silver/iron oxide nanocomposites (Ag/Fe₂O₃) were phytosynthesized using the extract of <i>Buddleja lindleyana</i> via a green, economical and eco-friendly strategy. The biosynthesized Ag/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD, TEM, DLS and SEM-EDX analyses. The particulates showed a triangular and spherical morphology having sizes between 25 and 174 nm. FTIR studies on the nanoparticles showed functional groups corresponding to organic metabolites, which reduce and stabilize the Ag/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite. The antimicrobial efficacy of the phytosynthesized Ag/Fe₂O₃ against bacterial pathogens was assessed. In addition, Ag/Fe₂O₃ exhibited broad spectrum activities against <i>B. subtilis</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>E. coli</i>, and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> with inhibition zones of 23.4 ± 0.75, 22.3 ± 0.57, 20.8 ± 1.6, and 19.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The Ag/Fe₂O₃ composites obtained showed promising antibacterial action against human bacterial pathogens (<i>S. aureus</i>, <i>E. coli</i>, <i>B. subtilis</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i>), making them candidates for medical applications.