Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Extract

Abstract

Background: The current investigation was conducted to illustrate the antifungal and antibacterial activity of non-toxic and environmental friendly biosynthetic nanoparticles of silver, which were prepared from the extract of Azadirachta indica leaf. Methods: Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was estimated by identifying variations in color pattern from yellow (bright) to brown (darkish). Five distinct techniques were used to investigate the characteristics of AgNPs, including an ultraviolet (UV)-Vis Spectrophotometer, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The disc diffusion method was used to investigate microbial activity. The color shift in the solution suggested the formation of AgNPs, which was validated using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy examination showed the purity of AgNPs, and FT-IR analysis indicated the functional group of photo-chemicals in plant extract involved in decreasing and stabilizing AgNPs. The XRD examination showed that AgNPs are crystalline, and the nanoparticle size was determined to be 21.64 nm on average for A. indica. The rectangular segments fused together in A. indica were depicted by SEM images. About 200 μL concentration of AgNPs exhibited the most significant antifungal activity and was evaluated against Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus. Similarly, 200 μL of AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pasteurella multocida, with a maximum inhibition of growth in the zone of 13 mm. Conclusion: In conclusion, biosynthesized AgNPs derived from A. indica leaf extract demonstrate significant potential as an eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative for antimicrobial applications. The remarkable antifungal and antibacterial activities exhibited by these A. indica AgNPs underscore their potential for developing innovative therapeutic agents against microbial pathogens.Cite this article as: Latif R, Shani MY, Shazadi A & Ashraf MY. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized using neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract. Trends in Pharmacy, 2025, 2, 0001, doi: 10.5152/TrendsPharm.2025.25001