Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles from Eugenia uniflora Fruit Extract

The synthesis of nanoparticles by biological methods using microorganisms, enzymes, or plant extracts has been suggested as a possible ecofriendly alternative to chemical and physical methods that involve the use of harmful reducing agents. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved using Eugenia uniflora ripe fruit extract, which was characterized by phytochemical screening revealing the presence of polyphenols (quinones, flavonoids, and tannins), reducing compounds, and terpenes. These excellent antioxidants reduced silver nitrate to give the AgNPs, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and ζ potential analysis. The diameter of the AgNPs ranged from 10.56 ± 1.2 nm to 107.56 ± 5.7 nm. The antibacterial activity of the AgNPs was evaluated using a modification of the Kirby-Bauer technique with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition halos were 11.12 ± 0.02 mm, 13.96 ± 0.07 mm, and 11.29 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. The synthesis using E. uniflora is an ecofriendly and low cost method of obtaining silver nanoparticles that could be used in health sciences because of their activity against bacteria with antibiotic resistance.