Reviewed by Lexie CornerJan 8 2025
Researchers used the common goji berry as an organic source to produce antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), reflecting a growing focus on sustainability across industries. The study was published in the journal AIP Advances.
An illustration of the preparation of goji berries for silver nanoparticle synthesis. Image Credit: Kamran Alam et al.
Goji berries, widely recognized for their health benefits, including antibiotic properties, have been used as a novel organic source for producing Ag-NPs. Researcher Kamran Alam from Sapienza University of Rome, in collaboration with colleagues from NED University of Engineering and Technology and King Saud University, developed an efficient method for extracting silver nanoparticles from these berries.
Silver nanoparticles are responsible for disrupting the cell membrane structure, which can generate reactive oxygen species used for inhibiting bacterial growth.
Kamran Alam, Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University
While several chemical methods exist for producing Ag-NPs, green approaches using biological sources like fruit or leaf extracts are preferred due to their energy efficiency, non-toxicity, and compatibility with human biology.
In this multidisciplinary study, Alam and his team used store-bought goji berries to demonstrate a method for creating Ag-NPs.
Goji berries are easily and locally available in the botanic garden and are rich in bioactive compounds that have natural reducing and stabilizing agents, eliminating the need for additional capping agents during processing.
Kamran Alam, Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University
The berries were dried, ground, and filtered to produce an extract. This extract was then mixed with silver nitrate (AgNO3), leading to the reduction and formation of Ag-NPs.
The presence of the Ag-NPs was confirmed using analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The antimicrobial activity of the Ag-NPs was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium responsible for staph infections and other illnesses.
Looking ahead, Alam plans to study the cellular toxicity and biocompatibility of these Ag-NPs, which could have significant implications for biomedical research.
This is a simple and straightforward synthesis method which does not need additional chemicals or complex equipment and can be scaled up for industrial applications.
Kamran Alam, Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University
Journal Reference:
Jamali, A. R., et al. (2025) Ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles using metallic solution-based goji berry extract for their antibacterial properties. AIP Advances. doi.org/10.1063/5.0237276.