Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves Extract: Evaluation of Their Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties
Keywords:
green synthesis, silver nanoparticles, Moringa oleifera Lam, photocatalysis, methylene blue, antibacterial activityAbstract
This study investigates the green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves and evaluates their physicochemical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties. Phytochemical analysis revealed high contents of total polyphenols (3035.22 mg GAE/100 g DW) and flavonoids (782.12 mg QE/100 g DW), which are likely involved in the reduction and stabilization of silver nanoparticles. AgNP formation was confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and DSC/TGA analyses. XRD results indicated a face-centered cubic crystalline structure characteristic of metallic silver. SEM observations revealed predominantly spherical nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 32 nm in size. The UV–Visible spectrum exhibited a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 446 nm. Photocatalytic experiments showed approximately 94% degradation of methylene blue after 5 minutes of light irradiation, indicating high photocatalytic efficiency. The synthesized AgNPs also exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (12 mm inhibition zone) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 mm inhibition zone), highlighting their antimicrobial potential. These findings suggest that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles derived from Moringa oleifera Lam. are promising materials for environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications. Nevertheless, further investigations involving photocatalytic kinetics, particle size distribution analysis, and advanced microbiological assessments are required to fully validate their potential.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gérard Niasa Mata, Denis Bilasi Musengele, Trésor Ndonganzadi, Elie Biayi Mweze, Fifi Mulangala Muderhwa, Prince Bulola Iyambe, Paul Kavuna Mahuku, Odon Nkole Mukonkole, Didier Makinga Kandongo, Louis Komanda Kalabo Kikontwe, Joseph K’Ekuboni Malongwe, Pascal Maziana Disa-Disa, Jérémie Lunguya Muswema, Omer Muamba Mvele, Gracien Bakambo Ekoko (Auteur)
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