Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Inhibitory Potential of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Lantana camara against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Emerging antimicrobial resistance has been a serious threat to human well-being. Current therapeutics face several drawbacks while treating bacterial infections because of the bacteria’s ability to attach to various surfaces and form biofilm as a defence mechanism. One such pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can form biofilm for its survival in the presence of various antibacterial agents. The present study explores the efficacy of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against bacteria, mainly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where Lantana camara leaf extract contributes as a reducing agent to reduce Ag⁺ to Ag⁰.

UV-vis spectroscopy of the nanoparticle showed a maximum spectrum at 416 nm, while dynamic light scattering revealed the size to be 30-35nm. The size and morphology of the nanoparticle were confirmed by various electron microscopies. The synthesized nanoparticles revealed significant antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa environmental isolates KPW.1-S1 and HRW.1-S3. Further, microscopic analyses through confocal and scanning electron microscopy validated the reduction in biofilm. Importantly, the cytotoxic effect of the nanoparticle on Human Kidney Epithelial-like cells was checked, and it revealed no significant toxicity. Therefore, Lantana camara silver conjugated nanoparticles provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional antimicrobials, highlighting their potential for combating multidrug-resistant infection while ensuring mammalian cell safety.