Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) Synthesized Using Dioscorea bulbifera Tuber Extract

Abstract

The present study focuses on the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) from Dioscorea bulbifera tubers and the assessment of their antibacterial and antibiofilm potential. Aqueous extract of D. bulbifera tubers was mixed with AgNO3 to synthesize Ag2ONPs. Ag2ONPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed against Escherichia coli NCIM 2065, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Serratia nematodiphila MT754555, Pectobacterium carotovorum MCC 2112, and Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 using agar well diffusion and crystal violet assay, respectively. Synthesized Ag2ONPs exhibited characteristic brown coloration, which was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance peak at 433 nm. SEM analysis revealed a particle size range of 13–24 nm, with XRD confirming a crystalline structure and FTIR indicating tuber-derived phytochemicals as capping/stabilizing agents. Ag2ONPs showed significant antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition at 200–1000 ppm against the tested organisms. The findings showed that the Ag2ONPs were synthesized successfully and maintained their stability through their specific optical characteristics. The study demonstrates the efficient green synthesis of Ag2ONPs, where phytochemicals act as capping agents, stabilizing their crystalline structure and small size. The Ag2ONPs showed antibacterial and antibiofilm abilities, which became more effective at greater concentration levels. Ag2ONPs showed enhanced antibacterial activity, highlighting the impact of combining nanotechnology with biomolecules obtained from plants. These findings emphasize the potential of Ag2ONPs as antibacterial and antibiofilm agents, signifying their importance in the management of infectious diseases.