The present study describes the antimicrobial activity of C-AuNp-Amp (chitosan-capped gold nanoparticles coupled with ampicillin). C-AuNp-Amp was synthesized using the wet precipitation method and characterized using FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) spectroscopy and AFM (atomic force microscopy) techniques. The optimal level of ampicillin concentration that couples with the C-AuNp nanocomposite was determined by using UV-visible spectroscopy. The agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, and the broth dilution assay was used to determine the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration). The size of the ellipsoidal C-AuNp-Amp particles was found to be in the range of 50-100 nm. The FTIR spectrum confirms the bonding between amino groups of chitosan and carboxylic groups of ampicillin. The maximum coupling of ampicillin with C-AuNp was found to be 4.07 mg/10 ml. These results revealed the antimicrobial efficacy of C-AuNp-Amp and a 2-fold increase in activity was achieved when compared with that of free ampicillin. By reducing the antibiotic dosage to 50%, the side effects produced by antibiotics can be minimized.

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Silver nanoparticles possess a wide range of applications especially in the field of medicine and this has stimulated the need for synthesizing them. Conventionally, chemical methods are used, which are hazardous and energy consuming. Therefore an eco-friendly and facile means of synthesizing nanoparticles is needed to replace the chemical method of synthesis. In the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized in a cost-effective and environment-friendly manner using aqueous leaf extract of Ailanthus excelsa-a medicinal tree used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, cold, abdominal pain, etc. The leaf extract helped in the bioreduction of silver ions yielding silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles thus biosynthesized were characterized using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles were also found to exhibit excellent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and anticancer effect against MCF-7 cell line.