Phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles using Annona reticulata and assessment of insecticidal and bactericidal activities

Aim: Silver nanoparticle synthesis using plant products is now popular due to its environment friendly, easy availability, simple procedure and fascinating properties. In this study, an attempt was made on leaf extract of Annona reticulata L silver nanoparticles to synthesize and to assess its bactericidal and insecticidal properties. Methodology: Using plant material for silver nanoparticle synthesis is one of the bottom up approaches of silver nanoparticle synthesis. In the present study leaf extract of Annona reticulata was used for nanoparticle synthesis. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX). The bactericidal property was evaluated against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. vulgaris where as insecticidal property was tested against mosquito larvae and Sitophilus oryzae. Results: The XRD spectrum confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. SEM observation showed that nanoparticles were 17.33 nm in size and spherical in shape. The EDAX result revealed the presence of silver in the suspension. Silver nanoparticles exhibited higher repellency against Sitophilus oryzae and feeding deterrence. The nanoparticles possessed a strong larvicidal activity when they were used against fourth instar larvae of mosquitoes. The silver nanoparticles showed bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Interpretation: The present study strongly suggests that Annona reticulata leaf extract can be used to fabricate silver nanoparticles with potent insecticidal and bactericidal properties.