Synergistic Activity of Green Silver Nanoparticles with Antibiotics

ObjectiveThe present work represents the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Withania coagulans extract and its antibacterial property. The synergy, additive, bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of silver nanoparticles was determined against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholerae. Methods The green silver nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy. The Agar dilution, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Bacterial Growth Inhibition methods were used for the determination of the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles. The Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index method was performed to check the synergistic activity of conjugated silver nanoparticles. ResultsThe Withania coagulans extract were reduced the silver nitrate into silver nanoparticles which was confirmed by color changes and spectral analysis. The silver nanoparticles were crystalline, elemental and spherical. The antibacterial activity was reported in silver nanoparticles which confirmed by zone of inhibition and pores on the surface of bacteria. The conjugated silver nanoparticles with Levofloxacin have synergy and additive behavior against the tested bacteria. Furthermore, bacteriostatic and bactericidal nature of silver nanoparticles was reported in lower (50 µg/ml) respectively. Conclusion The phenolic compounds of W. coagulans was responsible for the formation of silver nanoparticles. The bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal activity of silver nanoparticles depends upon its concentration. The conjugation of silver nanoparticles with antibiotics may be beneficial due to its synergy and additive effect against the bacteria.