Characterization and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized using Black Seed (Nigella sativa)

Jadesola F. Sanusi1*, Qudrat A. Ishola1, Solomon O. Alao2
, and Abdulwasiu O. Sakariyau1

1Department of Biological Sciences, Crescent University Abeokuta, Nigeria
2Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: jadesolasanusi02@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

This study examined the structural characteristics and antibacterial
activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized from black seed. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the black seeds were used to synthesize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella oxytoca. UV-visible spectra revealed a strong and broad surface plasmon resonance peak between 400-500nm. TEM showed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape and were well separated while XRD showed cubic and hexagonal structures of the AgNPs. EDS spectra showed that AgNPs have a weight percentage of silver as 77.98% and 84.63% for aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively. The AgNPs showed a 14-20mm zone of inhibition against the test organisms. This study showed that AgNPs can be effectively synthesized using black seed and showed moderate antibacterial activity.

Keyword: Silver nanoparticles, Biosynthesis, Nigella sativa, Antimicrobial activity, TEM,