ABSTRACT
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention in various fields due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential applications in medicine. In this study, we present a novel approach for the synthesis of AgNPs using okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seed extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was eco-friendly, cost-effective, and free from toxic chemicals. Characterization techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the synthesized nanoparticles. Medicinal properties were assessed for DPPH radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial assays using Methycelin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The UV-visible spectra exhibited a maximum characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak for Ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts around 500 to 550nm, confirming the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups from A. esculentus extract confirming the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. XRD analysis indicated the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles with prominent peaks corresponding to (101), (012), (104), (006), (015), (110) (113) and (213) which matched at 2θ angle of 24.4o, 26.80,.29.3o, 32.5o, 350,37.50, 410 and 49.50 planes of silver nanoparticles. SEM analysis provided insights into the size distribution and morphology of AgNPs. The DPPH results showed comparative studies with standard compounds, ascorbic acid validated their efficacy of the NPs formed as an antioxidants. These findings suggest that A. esculentus-mediated AgNPs could serve as promising candidates for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, including drug delivery, wound healing, and antimicrobial coatings.
