Green fabrication of silver nanoparticles from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial efficacy

In response to environmental concerns surrounding traditional silver nanoparticle synthesis, this study demonstrates an eco-conscious approach using Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) bark extract as a dual-function biological agent. UV‒visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of the AgNPs. The characteristic surface plasmon resonance signal was observed. FTIR spectroscopy identified key functional groups involved in the process. These groups include amines, alkanes, alkenes, and alkyl halides. They play crucial roles in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. TEM revealed quasispherical nanoparticles with a uniform distribution, ranging from 5 to 20 nm in diameter. XRD analysis confirmed their crystalline structure. Zeta potential measurements demonstrated good colloidal stability, and the nanoparticles exhibited significant antimicrobial efficacy, with substantial zones of inhibition in antimicrobial assays. This sustainable synthesis method eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and hazardous reaction conditions, providing a green pathway for producing antimicrobial silver nanoparticles. The approach offers promising applications in pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and water treatment systems while addressing environmental and toxicity concerns associated with traditional synthesis methods.