Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles with Manilkara zapota Leaf Extract and Its Application as Antibacterial Agent

Nanoparticles have gained significant attention in various fields, including medicine and materials science, due to their unique properties and potential applications. In particular, the synthesis of nanoparticles using environmentally friendly methods, such as green synthesis involving plant extracts, has garnered interest for its sustainability and potential biomedical applications. This study aimed to synthesize gold nanoparticles in a green environment using Manilkara zapota leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial properties. The nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. Gold nanoparticles damaged bacterial cell walls, disrupted metabolism and produced reactive oxygen species. Higher metal ion concentrations enhanced antibacterial efficiency, with gram-positive bacteria requiring higher concentrations than gram-negative bacteria. These findings offer insights into minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration determination. This research contributes to understanding green synthesis and the potential applications of plant extract-mediated nanoparticles in antibacterial treatments, emphasizing the importance of nanoparticle size and concentration in targeting bacteria.