Graphical abstract

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their potent application against dye degradation and phytopathogens are attracting many scientists to nanotechnology. An attempt was made to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Plantago ovata leaf extract and test their effectiveness in removing organic dyes and antifungal activity. In the present study, stable AgNPs were synthesized from 0.1 mM AgNO3 and authenticated by observing the color change from yellow to red-brown, which was confirmed with wavelength UV-Vis spectrophotometer detection. The crystalline nature of the particles was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Furthermore, the AgNPs were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope investigations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectra were also used to confirm the size and structure of the synthesized AgNPs. The elemental analysis and functional groups responsible for the reduction of AgNPs were analyzed by electron dispersive spectroscopy and fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy Fourier transforms infrared, respectively. A new biological approach was taken by breaking down organic dyes such as methylene blue and congo red. The AgNPs effectively inhibit the fungal growth of Alternaria alternata. This could be a significant achievement in the fight against many dynamic pathogens and reduce dye contamination from waste water.

This study describes the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) leaf extract. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy with (SEM-EDS). The AgNPs showed an average size of 10–20 nm, spherical shape, and crystalline nature. The application of these synthesized AgNPs to dye degradation showed that the AgNPs removed the two organic pollutants methylene blue (MB, 93.47%) and congo red (CR, (78.57%). In vitro investigation of the antifungal activity of the AgNPs against Fusarium oxysporum, a phytopathogenic fungus, showed a maximum percent radial growth inhibition of 82.00 ± 1.00% and a spore percent inhibition of 73.66 ± 3.94 for 150 μg/ml of biosynthesized AgNPs.