Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using <i>Vitex grandifolia</i> Against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Pathogens

Amid escalating antibiotic resistance, the urgency to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens calls for innovative solutions. This study explores the potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Vitex grandifolia leaves, chosen due to its affordability, accessibility, and therapeutic efficacy. The synthesis involves blending leaf extract with water and silver nitrate (AgNO3). Sunlight exposure led to the biological reduction of AgNO3, resulting in the formation of AgNPs characterized by a distinctive brown hue. These synthesized AgNPs underwent comprehensive characterization using various techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Antibacterial evaluation against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens was conducted using the agar well diffusion method. Characterization studies confirmed the successful synthesis of AgNPs, with UV-visible spectroscopy revealing an absorbance peak at 350 nm. SEM analysis indicated an average particle size of approximately 13.12 nm, predominantly in rod-like shapes. EDX analysis corroborated the presence of silver, oxygen, and carbon, while XRD analysis unveiled a face-centred cubic crystalline structure. FTIR analysis identified various functional groups attributed to phytochemicals in the plant extract, acting as capping and reducing agents. Notably, the AgNPs exhibited a considerable band gap value (3.09 eV). For the antibacterial activity, AgNPs demonstrated significant efficacy against several multidrug-resistant pathogens, exhibiting a zone of inhibition of 15 mm. In summary, this study presents a rapid green synthesis method for AgNPs utilizing Vitex grandifolia leaves. The characterized AgNPs show promise in combating MDR pathogens, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution in nanotechnology.