LAUSR

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from green synthesis using medicinal plants are presented as an option for the development of new antimicrobial agents. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the aqueous extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves, popularly known as "aroeira". A 23 factorial design was used to assess the statistical significance of the studied factors and Box-Behnken design was used to define the optimal conditions for the green synthesis of AgNPs. The studied factors were significant for the synthesis of nanoparticles, and the optimal conditions were: pH 9.5, reaction time of 180 min and 10 g of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves. The samples were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM and DLS. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the broth microdilution method and through the minimum microbicidal concentration. AgNPs showed greater antimicrobial efficacy compared to the extract, both for bacteria and fungi: bacteriostatic activity against all tested bacteria and bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, besides fungistatic action against Candida albicans and C. glabrata. Finally, the aqueous extract of "aroeira" leaves was effective in the synthesis of AgNPs, with greater antimicrobial potential than the extract. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.