Antimicrobial Activity of Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Different Extracts from the Leaves of Saudi Palm Tree (Phoenix Dactylifera L.)

Abstract

The Arabian desert is rich in different species of medicinal plants, which approved variable antimicrobial activities. Phoenix dactylifera L. is one of the medical trees rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. The current study aimed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) green-synthesized by two preparations (ethanolic and water extracts) from palm leaves. The characteristics of the produced AgNPs were tested by UV-visible spectroscopy and Transmitted Electron Microscopy (TEM). The antifungal activity of Phoenix dactylifera L. was tested against different species of Candida. Moreover, its antibacterial activity was evaluated against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative strains. The results showed that AgNPs had a spherical larger shape than the crude extracts. AgNPs, from both preparations, had significant antimicrobial effects. The water extract had slightly higher antimicrobial activity than the ethanolic extract, as it induced more inhibitory effects against all species. That suggests the possible use of palm leaf extracts against different pathogenic bacteria and fungi instead of chemical compounds, which had economic and health benefits.