Synthesis of Silver Nano Particles Using Plectranthus Ambonicus and Its Antimicrobial Activity on Polypropylene Non Woven Surgical Mask

Textile materials are good carriers of various types of micro organisms and can cause health related problems to the wearer. Application of natural antimicrobial agents on textile dates back to antiquity, when the ancient Egyptian used. Herbs were used to inhibit the growth of bacteria on textiles. Silver is a renowned antimicrobial agent used on textiles from very ancient time till date. A very small quantity of silver is required to inhibit a very wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. Application of silver in nano size on textile substrate has enhanced the antimicrobial efficiency of textiles. Biosynthesis of silver is simple and less hazardous and this green technology is having advantage over chemicals methods. Present study focused on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by silver nitrate and utilizing the leaves extract of plectranthus amboinicus and treatment of polypropylene nonwoven fabrics with nanoparticles, assessment of their antimicrobial efficiency, size of nanoparticles were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and presence of nanoparticles on the surface of fabrics were confirmed by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.