The sporicidal activity of Syzygium polyanthum (wight) Walp. mediated silver nanoparticles (SP-AgNPs) against Bacillus spp. spores

Aims: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Syzygium polyanthum plant extract (SP-AgNPs).The S. polyanthum leaf extract acts as a reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles.This study was aimed to investigate the sporicidal activity of S. polyanthum-mediated silver nanoparticles (SP-AgNPs) against spores of Bacillus cereus ATCC33019, B. megaterium ATCC14581, B. pumilus ATCC14884 and B. subtilis ATCC6633. Methodology and results:The sporicidal activity of the SP-AgNPs was evaluated by exposing Bacillus spp.spores to it and formaldehyde, a commercial sporicidal agent and measuring and comparing their viability.The results demonstrated that the SP-AgNPs had excellent sporicidal activity against all tested species, with a remarkable reduction in the spore count.The study also revealed that the sporicidal activity of the SP-AgNPs was time-dependent and comparable to the positive control used in the study, suggesting that they could be a potential alternative to natural sporicidal agents. Conclusion, significance and impact of study:Research findings suggest that the potential of SP-AgNPs, making them a promising candidate for use in sporicidal applications.These findings suggest that using SP-AgNPs as a sporicidal agent could be a new approach to eliminating Bacillus spp.spores in food and other industries where Bacillus spp.spores pose a significant risk.Further research is required.