Biogenic preparation and characterization of Pyropia yezoensis silver nanoparticles (P.y AgNPs) and their antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Marine algae play key roles in several medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and aquacultural applications. Furthermore, biosynthesized nanomaterials are becoming an alternative to conventional antibiotics in cost-effective, biocompatible, and non-toxic treatments for bacterial infections. This study features biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of the marine red algae Pyropia yezoensis. The formation of silver nanoparticles was initially confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR spectra were used to identify functional groups. The average crystalline size of the silver nanoparticles was around 20-22 nm, as determined by XRD analysis. Particle size was confirmed by SEM and TEM analyses, which also showed spherical particles without agglomeration. The antibacterial properties of the nanoparticles were assessed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures with significant activity observed against Gram negative P. aeruginosa. Our Pyropia yezoensis silver nanoparticles (P.y AgNPs) reduced the growth of P. aeruginosa at concentrations of 200 and 400 µg/ml. Our results strongly imply that P.y AgNPs may be useful in treating bacterial infections.