Abstract

This study aims to test the antibacterial effectiveness of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a commonly found plant in the local community. Foodborne illnesses, such as salmonellosis, are one of the leading global public health concerns. An approach to developing new antibiotics remains open, especially as antimicrobial resistance becomes a growing concern in the modern world. An eco-friendly and cost-efficient approach is also appreciated when creating and testing new antibacterial compounds. One method is the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts to convert silver-derived chemicals, such as silver nitrate, into antibacterial nanoparticles. One particular plant in the local community, the Tribulus terrestris (puncturevine), may contain the targeted phytochemicals that could potentially produce AgNPs and be tested for its antibacterial properties against Salmonella. Phytochemical screening and profiling will be conducted to identify compounds in the puncturevine that can produce AgNPs and test their antibacterial effectiveness. Identification of AgNPs via UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, FTIR, and TEM is also included. Next, a disc diffusion assay is performed, where various Salmonella spp. will be used to test the extent of its bacterial inhibition. Mueller-Hinton agar will be used to culture the bacteria and apply an intermediate concentration of the green-synthesized AgNPs to test its antibacterial properties. Lastly, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) will be determined using microtiter plates with Mueller-Hinton broth to assess the minimum concentration at which the isolates can be inhibited from growing. The expected outcome is that we will be able to identify the extent of bacterial inhibition caused by AgNP and compare it with existing antibiotics against Salmonella.