Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Tagetes erecta: Extract Characterization, Morphological Modification Using Structure Directing or Heterogeneous Nucleating Agents, and Antibacterial Evaluation

This work reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an autoclave method with <i>Tagetes erecta</i> extract (TEE) as a source of reducing agents, silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as the metal precursor, and a nucleating agent (i.e., sodium chloride [S]) or a structure director agent (i.e., gum Arabic [G] or hydrous magnesium silicate/talc powder [T]) to tailor the morphology of AgNPs. Since the properties and potential applications of AgNPs depend on their size and shape, these additives were employed to achieve morphological control. Phytochemical screening tests and UPCL-Qtof-MS/MS profiling of TEE were performed to identify the compounds present in the extract, indicating that highly polar phenolic compounds such as saponins, tannins, and flavonoids are present in TEE, allowing it to act as a source of reducing/stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited different morphologies (i.e., spheres, rods, ribbons, and wires) depending on the modifying agent used (i.e., S, G, or T). Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful use of S, G, and T in modulating AgNP morphology. The results of the antibacterial activity evaluation demonstrated that both TEE and AgNPs possess bacteriostatic activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>, with the use of S as a nucleating agent increasing the inhibitory effect of AgNPs.