An ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using microalga Desmodesmus protuberans and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Due to the numerous uses for nanoparticles, nanoparticle production is currently a particularly fascinating topic of research. Since no harmful chemicals are employed during the biological process, it is thought to be the safest and cleanest method.
The strong ability of algae to absorb metals and decrease metal ions makes algal synthesis of Ag-NPs particularly intriguing.
The current work concentrated on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the microalgae Desmodesmus protuberans. The preparation of nanoparticles was confirmed by the observation of the color change of the mixture of silver nitrate, after the addition of the cell free algal extract, from bright green to reddish yellow. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles  demonstrated a significant antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic microorganisms.