Synthesis and evaluation of erythromycin- loaded silver nanoparticles prepared from edible plant extracts

Abstract

The present research is to develop and characterise erythromycin silver nanoparticles using standard procedures. The nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis with the use of both Telfairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina as reducing and stabilizing agents. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as UV-Vis (Ultraviolet visible) spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined on two Gram- positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis) and two  Gram- negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The UV-Vis spectroscopy showed Surface Plasmon Resonance of 357 nm and 361 nm for the batches prepared with Telfairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina respectively. SEM reveals their shape to be spherical with a size ranging from 350 nm to 700 nm. The nanoparticles released the drugs via Higuchi kinetics and showed appreciable antibacterial action against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Erythromycin- loaded silver nanoparticles were successfully prepared using green method involving aqueous extracts of Telfairia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina. Formulated nanoparticles exhibited good antibacterial properties with broad spectrum activity.