Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal properties of Lonicera japonica Thunb . Leaves mediated silver nanoparticles and mechanism investigation

Lonicera japonica Thunb. leaves were used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), while its antibacterial and antifungal properties were investigated. Reaction conditions of AgNPs which characterized were optimized. The maximum absorption wavelength of the AgNPs was located about 400 nm, with a spherical shape and a particle size of 14.87±4.07 nm. Produced AgNPs showed effective antibacterial activities against tested bacterial strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the AgNPs were 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL for Escherichia coli (E. coli), and 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. According to the mechanism study, AgNPs generated morphological changes in E. coli and disrupted membrane integrity. Furthermore, AgNPs which showed effective dose-dependent inhibitory effects against Penicillium citrinum could suppress the growth of fungal mycelium on citrus peels. Conclusively, AgNPs generated by this facile and green method showed effective antimicrobial activity, which is promising in food processing and preservation.