Phytochemical Screening and Inhibitory Activities of Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Citrus sinensis Peel against Some Selected Pathogens

The rising resistance of microbes to conventional antibiotics necessitates the development of new antimicrobial drugs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as an alternative due to their distinct features, including a high surface area to volume ratio and the capacity to break microbial membranes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the phytochemical components, synthesize, characterize silver nanoparticles from Citrus sinensis peel extract, and assess their inhibitory properties against specific test organisms. C. sinensis peel extract was utilized to convert silver nitrate into AgNPs. Standard protocols for phytochemical analysis were followed. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis revealed that saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols were present in which Alkaloids (1400 mg/100g) and flavonoids (710 mg/100g) was high in quantity. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized, and a change in colour from yellow to brown was observed. The surface plasmon resonance peak was at 400 nm and the morphology of the AgNPs was spherical, rod, and cubical, with sizes ranging from 4.22 nm to 32.50 nm. In the FTIR analysis, the peak at 3466.00 cm-1 indicates hydroxyl groups, 1820.00 cm-1 is imine and 1042.00 cm-1 is carbonyl are responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs. XRD analysis revealed the formation of crystalline nanoparticles. EDX shows the presence of silver element. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant inhibitory activity against E. coli (18 ±0.96 mm), S. aureus (16 ± 1.98 mm) and Candida albicans (16±1.52 mm). The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Citrus sinensis peel extract is an eco-friendly method that utilizes natural properties of plants compounds which has inhibitory potential.