Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Safran (Crocus sativus) Purple flower and Their Antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Objective: In this study, CS-AgNPs were synthesized, characterized, and antimicrobial activity evaluated by using the extract obtained from the purple flower parts of the waste saffron flower with an economical, easy and environmentally friendly method.
 Method: In this study, green, economical and rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out using Saffron (Crocus sativus (CS)) purple flower extract. For structure elucidation of silver nanoparticles synthesized with saffron flower extract (CS-AgNPs); UV-visible (UV-vis.) Spectrophotometer, Fourier Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Electron Distributed X-rays (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Characterized using Diffraction Diffractrometer (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zeta potential data. It was determined that the UV-visible spectrum of the biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles, the spectrum taken after 15 minutes was formed at the maximum wavelength of 405.68 nm. In addition, it was observed that the UV spectrum of the synthesized nanoparticles, taken one month later, gave the same wavelength, and the obtained nanoparticles were stable. Antimicrobial activities of CS-AgNPs were evaluated on gram-positive, gram-negative and fungal strains using the minimum inhibition concentration technique. 
 Results: As a result, it was determined that the obtained CS-AgNPs showed activity on bacterial and fungal strains.
 Conclusion: It was observed that the smaller the size of the silver nanoparticles obtained, the greater their antimicrobial activity and strong antibacterial and anticandidal activity even at very low concentrations.