Application of aqueous extract of red onion peel for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): characterization, assessment of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Nanotechnology has precipitated a profound upheaval in several scientific domains. The subjects of nanoscience and nanotechnology encompass the synthesis and utilization of nanoparticles with many potential applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), apart from other nanoparticles; have garnered considerable interest because of their distinctive characteristics. The primary focus of this article was on the green synthesis of AgNPs utilising red onion peel extract. Synthesised green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) provide several benefits such as energy efficiency, low toxicity, high yields, cost feasibility, environmental compatibility, and easy accessibility. The impact of copper nitrate concentration, temperature, pH, and reaction time of red onion peel extract and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations on the environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is examined. Characterization of the AgNPs was conducted using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS, Zeta Potential, and AFM. Their antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against gram-negative organisms Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Salmonella enterica (ATCC 13076), as well as positive-gram strains Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633P). The AgNPs demonstrate enhanced capacity to inhibit DPPH radicals, with an IC50 value in μg/mL. The results indicated that this environmentally friendly approach to synthesizing AgNPs would facilitate the creation of AgNPs with much improved antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics and greatly enhanced therapeutic efficacy.