Preparation, characterisation and antifungal activity of gold nanoparticles prepared with fresh extract of Aconitum heterophyllum leaves

The synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has gained considerable attention in the field of nanotechnology since it is easy, simple, and cost effective and does not make use of toxic chemicals. In this work, gold (Au) nanoparticles were synthesized using the Aconitum heterophyllum leaf extract. Nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with plant extract are more stable, suitable and faster therapeutic efficacy against fungal infection. Moreover, the preparations of gold nanoparticles with plant extract are more uniform in shape and size. The metal nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, XRD, AFM, TEM, STEM, EDX analysis. The Minimum inhibitory concentration of the nanoparticles on various microorganisms (S.aureus, E. coli, P. auruginosa, B. subtilis and C. albicans) was determined along with its anti-biofilm and photocatalytic activity. The gold nanoparticles exhibited better and enhanced activity in inhibiting the microorganisms. And the photocatalytic activity was found to be better in the gold nanoparticles.