Abstract

GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER, COPPER AND ZINC NANOPARTICLES FROM DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF BANANA (MUSA) LATEX FROM KERALA AND DETERMINATION OF THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Ashin Wilfy*

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Abstract

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science. It has increased applications in diverse area for the development of new materials at nanoscale levels. Nanoparticles has 1-100 nm in size and they possess novel physical and chemical properties. Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer micro particles in an aqueous medium. Latex as found in nature is either a milky or colourless fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. The proposed research work focus on the green synthesis of silver, copper and zinc nanoparticles from different varieties of banana (Musa) in Kerala and determine the antibacterial properties of these nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antibacterial activity will be determined by using disc diffusion and agar well methods using Nutrient Agar. The synthesized silver nanoparticles will be characterized by UV-Vis measurements. This green synthesis method is alternative to chemical method, since it is cheap, pollutant free and ecofriendly. The proposed green synthesis of nanoparticles using banana latex could be further explored for the effective therapeutic applications.

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