Ecofriendly Synthesis, Characterisation and Antibacterial Activity Of Curcumin Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

Curcumin is the main phytochemical present in the rhizome curcuma longa Linn. Inspite of its therapeutic efficacy, poor bioavailability due to low absorption, rapid metabolism and elimination deters its beneficial action. Efficient drug delivery system for curcumin is warranted which is achieved by nanoparticle synthesis. This research aimed to prepare and characterise curcumin mediated silver nanoparticles and to evaluate its antibacterial activity against oral pathogens. Biosynthesis of Curcumin mediated silver nanoparticles were achieved when curcumin reduced silver nitrate to silver atom. Characterisation were done by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Evaluation of antibacterial activity against oral pathogens were performed in Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans (Gram positive bacteria), E. coli, Enterococcus sp (Gram negative bacteria). On visual observation, colour change from initial yellow solution to dark brown within 1 hour of reaction time, absorbance peak at 430 nm ascertained curcumin mediated silver nanoparticles synthesis. Curcumin had reducing and capping action. TEM revealed spherical and triangular structure with diameter ranging from 5-70 nm. They showed superior antibacterial activity against oral pathogens such as as S. mutans, moderate activity against S. aureus, E. coli and Enterococcus sp in concentration of 50-μg mL- 1hence proving its effective broad spectrum antibacterial activity which can be applied in various oral mucosal lesions with infectious disease with minimal side effects