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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Antibiofilm potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesised using Annona muricata L. leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13880
Submitted
28 January 2026
Published
15-07-2026 — Updated on 29-09-2026
Versions

Abstract

Biofilms pose a critical challenge in healthcare settings due to their enhanced resistance to antibiotics. Nanotechnology has the potential to be a powerful tool for addressing the challenges posed by biofilm recalcitrance. Studies have shown that nanoparticles synthesised using Annona muricata L. have antimicrobial activity; however, their efficacy against biofilms remains unexplored. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesised using A. muricata leaf extract and characterised using standard techniques. The AgNPs synthesis was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, which displayed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 420–430 nm. Zeta sizer analysis showed an average diameter of 38.4 nm for the AgNPs, with a zeta potential of -15.2 mV, indicating moderate stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) illustrated distinct, spherical and homogeneous NPs with a size range of 10–30 nm. Attenuated Total Reflectance–fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy analysis showed that hydroxyl and carbonyl groups from leaf phytoconstituents in the leaf extract were employed in the reduction and stabilisation of AgNPs. Microtiter plate assay for antibiofilm activity of leaf extract and AgNPs showed IC50 values of 135.56 ± 0.47 µg/mL and 78.57 ±  0.3 µg/mL, respectively. The percentage biofilm inhibition by AgNPs at 134 ± 0.2 µg/mL was comparable to that of antibiotic treatment. Thus, this eco-friendly approach to nanoparticle synthesis using A. muricata leaf extract offers a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents, potentially addressing the increasing concern of antibiotic resistance in biofilm-driven infections.

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