Phytomediated biofabrication of silver nanoparticles derived from Athyrium filix-femina and their antibacterial potential against bacterial pathogens

The present study investigates the in vitro antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through a green approach using acetone leaves extract of Athyrium filix-femina. The plant extract served both as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the crude extract and biosynthesized AgNPs was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi using the agar well diffusion assay. Phytochemical profiling of the extract was performed and the synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crude leaves extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity with inhibition zones of B. subtilis (20.02 ± 0.421 mm), P. aeruginosa (17.9 ± 0.249 mm) and E. coli (12.2 ± 0.424 mm). In contrast, AgNPs showed enhanced activity, with inhibition zones of B. subtilis (21.06 ± 0.471 mm), P. aeruginosa (19.7 ± 0.295 mm) and S. aureus (14.6 ± 0.432 mm). The MIC values for AgNPs ranged from 0.009875 to 0.0395 mg/100 mL which were substantially lower than those of the crude extract 0.0781–0.3125 mg/100 mL, indicating superior antibacterial potency. These findings highlight the potential of Athyrium filix-femina-mediated AgNPs as promising candidates for the development of novel plant-based antimicrobial agents through an environmentally sustainable synthesis approach.