Characterization and antimicrobial activity of silver chloride nanoparticles synthesized using plant extract from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Martius) Coville
Stryphnodendron adstringens (Martius) Coville is a medicinal plant described as having pharmacological properties as anti-inflammatory, cicatrizing, antioxidant, antiviral, antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we report the photosynthesis and characterization of silver chloride nanoparticles using plant extract from S. adstringens (named here SaAgClNPs). Photosynthesized SaAgClNPs, using a fast and green route, were nearly spherical with small heterogeneity in size, crystalline in nature with small amount of metallic silver, and enveloped by an organic material layer responsible for colloidal stability. SaAgClNPs was non-cytotoxic against mammalian VERO cells showing total viability at concentrations < 20.48 mg.mL-1. However, SaAgClNPs showed remarkable antifungal activity against the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans (MIC80 ≥ 0.32 µg.mL-1). Notable antibacterial activity was also observed against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC80 ≥ 2.56 µg.mL-1) e Serratia marcescens (MIC80 ≥ 20.48 µg.mL-1). In contrast, Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were less susceptible to the SaAgClNPs both with MIC80 ≥ 40.93 µg.mL-1. SaAgClNPs represents a new organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterial with potential for biomedical applications.