Green Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Ag/Fe(2)O(3) Nanocomposite Using Buddleja lindleyana Extract

In the study reported in this manuscript, silver/iron oxide nanocomposites (Ag/Fe(2)O(3)) were phytosynthesized using the extract of Buddleja lindleyana via a green, economical and eco-friendly strategy. The biosynthesized Ag/Fe(2)O(3) nanocomposites were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, XRD, TEM, DLS and SEM-EDX analyses. The particulates showed a triangular and spherical morphology having sizes between 25 and 174 nm. FTIR studies on the nanoparticles showed functional groups corresponding to organic metabolites, which reduce and stabilize the Ag/Fe(2)O(3) nanocomposite. The antimicrobial efficacy of the phytosynthesized Ag/Fe(2)O(3) against bacterial pathogens was assessed. In addition, Ag/Fe(2)O(3) exhibited broad spectrum activities against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa with inhibition zones of 23.4 ± 0.75, 22.3 ± 0.57, 20.8 ± 1.6, and 19.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The Ag/Fe(2)O(3) composites obtained showed promising antibacterial action against human bacterial pathogens (S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa), making them candidates for medical applications.