# Biochemical Evaluation and Green Synthesis of Nano Silver Using Peroxidase fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) and Its Antibacterial Activity

Authors: Semra Cicek; Azize Alaylı Gungor; Ahmet Adiguzel; Hayrunnisa Nadaroglu
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2015)

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## Abstract

Silver nanoparticles are used an increased attention for various biomedical and medical applications. In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was made with simple method by using peroxidase enzyme partially purified fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant. Optimum pH, temperature and time period were determined to obtain silver nanoparticles using the peroxidase enzyme. The result shows that higher silver nanoparticle was synthesized for 4 hours and at 20°C and pH 8. Also, optimal concentration of metal ions was found as 0.5 mM. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was measured against some microorganisms such as Serratia marcescens, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. Synthesized silver nanoparticles have wide spectrum antibacterial activity in low concentration and may be a good alternative therapeutic approach in medicine and pharmaceutical fields in future.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) have features such as crystal structures and very strong metallic bonds and they are commonly used in many fields such as industrial products, machinery industry, biomedical and medical areas, diagnosis, biomarkers, cell labeling, antimicrobial agents, drug administration, environmental pollution control, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, biosensors, and material chemistry [1, 2]. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have potential for use in many fields such as, mainly, the medical field, food, cosmetics, materials science, medicine, environmental remediation, nonlinear optics, biolabeling, and optical receptor because of their features such as good electrical activity, chemical stability, and catalytic and antibacterial activity [3, 4].Physical and chemical methods such as UV radiation, microwave radiation [5], chemical reducing [6], photochemical method [7], and heat evaporation are available in the production of nanoparticles. However, these methods include the use of toxic chemical which can cause serious problems in terms of human, animal, and environment as opposed to a growing environmental awareness. And more than one reaction step increases high cost depending on high energy requirements. In addition, difficulties in the purification step lead to obtaining low yields of nanoparticles.Due to this reason, economic and environmentally friendly methods have been developed to contribute to green chemistry. For this purpose, using of plant extracts and biological microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeast) in order to perform enzymatical synthesis of nanoparticles has come into prominence [8, 9].Some studies have been made for the production of nanoparticles by using plant extracts:Achillea biebersteinii [10],Cassia auriculata [11],Acacia farnesiana [12],Gloriosa superba [13],Alternanthera dentata [14],Cocos nucifera [15], and so forth. However very few studies were found for synthesis of nanoparticles by using peroxidase enzyme.Peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7; donor: hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase) is an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reaction between the compounds which tend to give its hydrogen atoms with H2O2 receiving these atoms. Peroxidases have wide usage area in clinical biochemistry, immunoassays, food processing, detergent formulations, wastewater treatment, and synthesis of aromatic compounds [16].In this research, peroxidase (POX) enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation from plant ofEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) and silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the purified peroxidase. At the same time, the obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction. The antibacterial activity of newly synthesized nano silver NPs was assayed.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Collection of Plant Sample and Preparation of Plants Extract

UsedEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) in the study was collected from near the town of Hasankale of Erzurum, Turkey, and it was identified with the helping of taxonomists. Plants were washed with distilled water several times for cleaning dust and soil on plants. Then, plants were cut into small pieces. Small pieces (50 g) were thoroughly shattered to form a homogeneous mixture in blander using 250 mL, 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH: 6). Then, it was centrifuged at 5000 ×g for 10 min and the supernatant was used for enzyme purification [17].


### 2.2. Partial Purification of the Peroxidase Enzyme with Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation

PreparedEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant homogenate was saturated from 60 to 80% with ammonium sulphate; then the peroxidase enzyme was precipitated by centrifuging at 8000 ×g, 10 min. Obtained precipitate was dissolved at 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH: 6.0) and was incubated at 4°C for further analysis [17].


### 2.3. Peroxidase Enzyme Activity Test

Determination of peroxidase activity was made by substrate of 1 mM 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABST) prepared in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 6. For this purpose, 2.8 mL ABST was transferred to a test tube; then the reaction mixture was formed by the addition 100μL of 80% enzyme and 100 μL of 3.2 mM H2O2 solution into the test tube. The change in absorbance was monitored at 412 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometer at 1 min intervals for 3 min. Blank test tube was prepared using distilled water instead of enzyme in the reaction mixture.


### 2.4. Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

100μL of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant was added in sample of silver nitrate solution (AgNO3) (2.9 mL, 10 mM) and incubated in a closed space for 4 hours. The solution was becoming dark brown, which indicates the presence of Ag nanoparticles. Then, water was removed by helping of evaporatory and synthesized silver nanoparticles that were dried at 70°C for 24 hours [18, 19].


### 2.5. Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles

Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with scanning at range of 200–1000 nm by using UV-VIS spectrophotometer (PG Instrument T80 UV-VIS spectrophotometer). Determination of topography silver nanoparticles was performed by SEM (scanning electron microscope). In addition, XRD analysis (X-ray diffraction analysis) was performed to determine the size of Ag nanoparticles.


### 2.6. Biochemical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis

Contact time, pH, temperature, and metal ion concentration were determined for the purpose of optimization synthesized Ag nanoparticles.


#### 2.6.1. The Optimum Contact Time

For determination of the optimum contact time, samples were spectrophotometrically measured between 0 and 240 min with 3 min intervals.


#### 2.6.2. The Determination of Optimum pH

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed in sodium phosphate buffer at pH 2-3, sodium acetate buffer at pH 4–6, sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7, 8, and sodium carbonate buffer at pH 9–11 and the values of absorbance were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. pH was adjusted by using 0.1 N HCI and 0.1 N NaOH.


#### 2.6.3. The Determination of Optimum Temperature

Synthesis of nanoparticles was separately carried out from 10°C to 90°C, respectively, and changes in absorbans of the samples were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


#### 2.6.4. The Determination of Optimum Concentration of Metal Ion

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed by using silver nitrate solution at 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM, 5 mM, and 7 mM and the absorbance of samples was measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


### 2.7. Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles against Bacteria in Petri Dish

Antagonistic activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles was determined against bacteria [20, 21]. Sterile nutrient agar (NA-Oxoid) was prepared and sterilized throughout one night. The discs 6 mm in diameter taken from the pathogenic bacteria culture growing on NA were placed in the center of petri dishes containing nutrient agar media. And bacterial cultures of 1 × 108 cells/mL concentration were drawn around these pathogen-inoculated petri dishes. Each bacterium was studied in 3 replications, and the average inhibition zone created by bioagent was identified with the help of the values obtained.


## 2.1. Collection of Plant Sample and Preparation of Plants Extract

UsedEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) in the study was collected from near the town of Hasankale of Erzurum, Turkey, and it was identified with the helping of taxonomists. Plants were washed with distilled water several times for cleaning dust and soil on plants. Then, plants were cut into small pieces. Small pieces (50 g) were thoroughly shattered to form a homogeneous mixture in blander using 250 mL, 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH: 6). Then, it was centrifuged at 5000 ×g for 10 min and the supernatant was used for enzyme purification [17].


## 2.2. Partial Purification of the Peroxidase Enzyme with Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation

PreparedEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant homogenate was saturated from 60 to 80% with ammonium sulphate; then the peroxidase enzyme was precipitated by centrifuging at 8000 ×g, 10 min. Obtained precipitate was dissolved at 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH: 6.0) and was incubated at 4°C for further analysis [17].


## 2.3. Peroxidase Enzyme Activity Test

Determination of peroxidase activity was made by substrate of 1 mM 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABST) prepared in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 6. For this purpose, 2.8 mL ABST was transferred to a test tube; then the reaction mixture was formed by the addition 100μL of 80% enzyme and 100 μL of 3.2 mM H2O2 solution into the test tube. The change in absorbance was monitored at 412 nm using UV-visible spectrophotometer at 1 min intervals for 3 min. Blank test tube was prepared using distilled water instead of enzyme in the reaction mixture.


## 2.4. Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

100μL of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant was added in sample of silver nitrate solution (AgNO3) (2.9 mL, 10 mM) and incubated in a closed space for 4 hours. The solution was becoming dark brown, which indicates the presence of Ag nanoparticles. Then, water was removed by helping of evaporatory and synthesized silver nanoparticles that were dried at 70°C for 24 hours [18, 19].


## 2.5. Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles

Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with scanning at range of 200–1000 nm by using UV-VIS spectrophotometer (PG Instrument T80 UV-VIS spectrophotometer). Determination of topography silver nanoparticles was performed by SEM (scanning electron microscope). In addition, XRD analysis (X-ray diffraction analysis) was performed to determine the size of Ag nanoparticles.


## 2.6. Biochemical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis

Contact time, pH, temperature, and metal ion concentration were determined for the purpose of optimization synthesized Ag nanoparticles.


### 2.6.1. The Optimum Contact Time

For determination of the optimum contact time, samples were spectrophotometrically measured between 0 and 240 min with 3 min intervals.


### 2.6.2. The Determination of Optimum pH

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed in sodium phosphate buffer at pH 2-3, sodium acetate buffer at pH 4–6, sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7, 8, and sodium carbonate buffer at pH 9–11 and the values of absorbance were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. pH was adjusted by using 0.1 N HCI and 0.1 N NaOH.


### 2.6.3. The Determination of Optimum Temperature

Synthesis of nanoparticles was separately carried out from 10°C to 90°C, respectively, and changes in absorbans of the samples were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


### 2.6.4. The Determination of Optimum Concentration of Metal Ion

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed by using silver nitrate solution at 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM, 5 mM, and 7 mM and the absorbance of samples was measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


## 2.6.1. The Optimum Contact Time

For determination of the optimum contact time, samples were spectrophotometrically measured between 0 and 240 min with 3 min intervals.


## 2.6.2. The Determination of Optimum pH

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed in sodium phosphate buffer at pH 2-3, sodium acetate buffer at pH 4–6, sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7, 8, and sodium carbonate buffer at pH 9–11 and the values of absorbance were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer. pH was adjusted by using 0.1 N HCI and 0.1 N NaOH.


## 2.6.3. The Determination of Optimum Temperature

Synthesis of nanoparticles was separately carried out from 10°C to 90°C, respectively, and changes in absorbans of the samples were measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


## 2.6.4. The Determination of Optimum Concentration of Metal Ion

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed by using silver nitrate solution at 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 3 mM, 5 mM, and 7 mM and the absorbance of samples was measured by UV-visible spectrophotometer.


## 2.7. Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles against Bacteria in Petri Dish

Antagonistic activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles was determined against bacteria [20, 21]. Sterile nutrient agar (NA-Oxoid) was prepared and sterilized throughout one night. The discs 6 mm in diameter taken from the pathogenic bacteria culture growing on NA were placed in the center of petri dishes containing nutrient agar media. And bacterial cultures of 1 × 108 cells/mL concentration were drawn around these pathogen-inoculated petri dishes. Each bacterium was studied in 3 replications, and the average inhibition zone created by bioagent was identified with the help of the values obtained.


## 3. Results and Discussion

Peroxidase enzyme was partially purified fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides). For this purpose, the highest collapse of peroxidase enzyme was observed in the range of 60–80% ammonium sulphate saturation by performing ammonium sulphate precipitation in the range of 0–90% forEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant homogenate. The enzyme was purified with a yield of 32.4% and 29.9 purification-fold fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant (Table 1).Table 1
The purification process of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).
Enzyme fraction
Volume
Activity
Total activity
Protein
Specific activity
Purification
mL
EU/mL
EU
%
(mg/mL)
EU/mg
fold
Crude extract
50
216.5 ± 1.3
10.83× 103
100
33.3. ± 0.2
0.272
—
(NH4)2SO4 (40–80)
20
175.7 ± 1.02
3.51× 103
32.4
3.88 ± 0.38
8.12
29.85100μL purified peroxidase enzyme (5 mg protein/mL) fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant was added to the AgNO3 sample (2.9 mL, 1 mM). When it was stirred, color of the reaction mixture was changed from colorness to dark brown. This color change showed formation of silver nanoparticles.


### 3.1. Characterization of the Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

The absorbance values of synthesized silver nanoparticles were measured against distilled water using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles synthesized by reduction of the compound AgNO3 and also catalyzed with purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant were showed in Figure 1 (at room temperature, for 4 hours). It was observed that the color of the reaction medium was changed from colorness to dark brown due to excitation of surface plasmon vibration of silver nanoparticles. The peaks of synthesized silver nanoparticles by peroxidase enzyme were in the range of 390 to 440 nm and the sharpest peak of these nanoparticles was observed at 412 nm (Figure 1). The sharp peak at 412 nm exhibited the characteristic peak of synthesized silver nanoparticles.Figure 1
UV-vis spectra of silver nanoparticles.A number of studies belong to silver nanoparticles that were identified and their characteristic UV-VIS peaks were also around 400 nm. For example, the peaks of silver nanoparticles were at wavelength of 390 nm and 420 nm in the synthesis of silver nanoparticle with redox reactions, for saccharose and maltose, respectively. Ag NPs synthesized by using olive leaf extracts showed characteristic peak in the range of 440–458 nm and they supported our experiments [20, 21].


#### 3.1.1. Effect of Temperature

UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticle prepared at different temperatures were given in Figure2. It was observed that the temperature increases and the absorbance increases in Figure 2.Figure 2
The effect of temperature on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).It has been observed that synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed with high amounts at room temperature with catalyzed peroxidase enzyme purified fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides). When the synthesis of Ag nanoparticle was done at room temperature, the great disadvantages could be prevented, spending extra energy and loss of its activity by denaturing of protein structure of peroxidase enzyme at high temperature.


#### 3.1.2. Effect of pH

The effect of pH was investigated in the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles prepared at different pH were given in Figure2. For this purpose, the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles was performed in the range of pH 3–11. Different chemical reagents were used for preparing appropriate buffer solutions (pH 2-3 phosphate buffers, pH 4-5-6 acetate buffers, pH 7-8 phosphate buffers, and pH 9-10-11 carbonate buffers). It was shown in Figure 3 that the pH values were affected a little on synthesis of nanoparticle but the highest synthesis of Ag NPs occurred at pH 6. In a study, conducted by Güngör et al. [17], optimum pH of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was found as 6.0. Considering this situation, it was determined that synthesis of nanoparticle catalyzed by obtained peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was performed at the highest rate at pH 6.0 which was the optimum pH of the enzyme. The synthesis of Ag NPs was also performed at room temperature, pH 6.0 (Figure 3). It was determined that the reaction rate was increased after 4 hours and Ag+ almost completely reduced to Ag0.Figure 3
The effect of pH on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).In the synthesis of Ag NPs performed with olive leaf extracts, optimum pH was found to be pH 8, the most stable pH of olive leaf extract as antioxidative [21, 22].


#### 3.1.3. Effect of Contact Time at Room Temperature

The reduction reaction of Ag+ by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme obtained fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plants was observed for 4 hours. The graphic of absorbance changes depending on time of synthesis reaction of Ag NPs was given in Figure 4.Figure 4
UV-visible spectra of Ag nanoparticles as function of time at room temperature and pH 6.The absorbance values were monitored at 412 nm and show increase with time. The reactions of synthesis of Ag NPs were completed rate of 97% after 4 hours, followed during one day. From the obtained results, it was determined that Ag NPs were prepared using green synthesis method, they were not aggregate, and obtained nanoparticles were stable. Also, nanoparticles were stable and were not degrading during one week.Some studies show longer stability than one week for syntheses of Ag NPs. These findings supported our research [19, 23].


#### 3.1.4. Effect of AgNO3 Concentration

The effect of AgNO3 concentration was investigated on the synthesis of Ag NPs using peroxidase enzyme. For this purpose, Ag NPs were synthesized at different concentration (0.5, 1, 3, 5 ve 7 mM) of AgNO3 using the same amount of enzyme.The increasing concentration of AgNO3 increased synthesis of Ag NPs for 4 hours in Figure 5. However, the reaction synthesis of Ag NPs was performed at concentration of 1 mM AgNO3 concentration; the stability of reaction was increased as more stable (Figure 5). In general, its concentration of 1 mM seems appropriate for both measured and followed reaction. So, 1 mM concentration of AgNO3 was used in all performed studies [17].Figure 5
The effect of concentration of AgNO3 on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).


### 3.2. XRD Studies

XRD and crystallographic analysis of produced Ag NPs by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme were given in Figure6.Figure 6
X-ray diffraction pattern of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).The characteristic peaks of silver from XRD spectrum at 2θ = 38°, 43°, 63°, 82° can be indexed at (111), (200), (220), and (311) facets which agree with the values reported for face centered cubic (fcc) silver nanocrystals [24].


### 3.3. Surface Characterization of AG NPs

Chemical and mineralogical compositions of green synthesized Ag NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the surface of adsorbent. Images of Ag NPs were magnified 5000 times by Metek, Apollo prime, active area 10 mm2, Microscope inspect S50, and SE detector R580 (Figure 7). It is observed from Figure 7 that most of the Ag nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Figure 7 shows well dispersed Ag NPs have identified in the sizes range of 7–20 nm.Figure 7
SEM image of the synthesized silver nanoparticles.Many synthesized Ag NPs using plant extract mainly were determined as of spherical shape and 5–35 nm in size [24, 25].


### 3.4. Antibacterial Activity

Antibacterial effect of silver is known. Antibacterial activity of synthesized Ag NPs by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant was studied using the disc diffusion methodagainst Serratia marcescens, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7.The diameter of inhibition zones (mm) around each well with silver nanoparticles solution is represented in Table2. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) (10 mL) are found to have highest antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.0 mm),Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (18.5 mm), andSalmonella typhimurium (18.5 mm). Then negative control (DMSO and distilled water) showed activity against all the microbial strains tested and no activity was observed against pathogens. The positive control (AgNO3) showed activity against all the microbial strains tested and the activity against all bacteria was observed as 5.0 mm.Table 2
Diameter zone of inhibition by Ag NPs and AgNO3 against human pathogenic bacteria.
Serial number
Pathogenic bacteria
Inhibition zone (mm)
Ag NPs
AgNO3
1
Serratia marcescens
18.0
5
2
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
18.5
5
3
Klebsiella pneumoniae
19.0
5
4
Staphylococcus aureus
11.0
5
5
Staphylococcus epidermidis
11.0
5
6
Streptococcus pyogenes
17.0
5
7
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
16.0
5
8
Salmonella typhimurium
18.5
5
9
Listeria monocytogenes
11.0
5
10
Escherichia coliO157:H7
17.5
5Ag NPs gain the ability to easily pass through the cell membrane of bacteria with the increase in surface area due to the fact that size of Ag NPs is small. Thus, the antibacterial activity of Ag NPs increases. From obtained results, it was concluded that synthesized Ag NPs could easily pass into bacteria and have high interaction with its surface. Synthesized Ag NPs were quite effective on microorganisms. Findings of some studies supported our work. The form surface which has high antimicrobial activity could be possibly synthesized with produced silver nanoparticles [26, 27].


## 3.1. Characterization of the Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

The absorbance values of synthesized silver nanoparticles were measured against distilled water using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles synthesized by reduction of the compound AgNO3 and also catalyzed with purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant were showed in Figure 1 (at room temperature, for 4 hours). It was observed that the color of the reaction medium was changed from colorness to dark brown due to excitation of surface plasmon vibration of silver nanoparticles. The peaks of synthesized silver nanoparticles by peroxidase enzyme were in the range of 390 to 440 nm and the sharpest peak of these nanoparticles was observed at 412 nm (Figure 1). The sharp peak at 412 nm exhibited the characteristic peak of synthesized silver nanoparticles.Figure 1
UV-vis spectra of silver nanoparticles.A number of studies belong to silver nanoparticles that were identified and their characteristic UV-VIS peaks were also around 400 nm. For example, the peaks of silver nanoparticles were at wavelength of 390 nm and 420 nm in the synthesis of silver nanoparticle with redox reactions, for saccharose and maltose, respectively. Ag NPs synthesized by using olive leaf extracts showed characteristic peak in the range of 440–458 nm and they supported our experiments [20, 21].


### 3.1.1. Effect of Temperature

UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticle prepared at different temperatures were given in Figure2. It was observed that the temperature increases and the absorbance increases in Figure 2.Figure 2
The effect of temperature on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).It has been observed that synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed with high amounts at room temperature with catalyzed peroxidase enzyme purified fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides). When the synthesis of Ag nanoparticle was done at room temperature, the great disadvantages could be prevented, spending extra energy and loss of its activity by denaturing of protein structure of peroxidase enzyme at high temperature.


### 3.1.2. Effect of pH

The effect of pH was investigated in the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles prepared at different pH were given in Figure2. For this purpose, the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles was performed in the range of pH 3–11. Different chemical reagents were used for preparing appropriate buffer solutions (pH 2-3 phosphate buffers, pH 4-5-6 acetate buffers, pH 7-8 phosphate buffers, and pH 9-10-11 carbonate buffers). It was shown in Figure 3 that the pH values were affected a little on synthesis of nanoparticle but the highest synthesis of Ag NPs occurred at pH 6. In a study, conducted by Güngör et al. [17], optimum pH of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was found as 6.0. Considering this situation, it was determined that synthesis of nanoparticle catalyzed by obtained peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was performed at the highest rate at pH 6.0 which was the optimum pH of the enzyme. The synthesis of Ag NPs was also performed at room temperature, pH 6.0 (Figure 3). It was determined that the reaction rate was increased after 4 hours and Ag+ almost completely reduced to Ag0.Figure 3
The effect of pH on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).In the synthesis of Ag NPs performed with olive leaf extracts, optimum pH was found to be pH 8, the most stable pH of olive leaf extract as antioxidative [21, 22].


### 3.1.3. Effect of Contact Time at Room Temperature

The reduction reaction of Ag+ by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme obtained fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plants was observed for 4 hours. The graphic of absorbance changes depending on time of synthesis reaction of Ag NPs was given in Figure 4.Figure 4
UV-visible spectra of Ag nanoparticles as function of time at room temperature and pH 6.The absorbance values were monitored at 412 nm and show increase with time. The reactions of synthesis of Ag NPs were completed rate of 97% after 4 hours, followed during one day. From the obtained results, it was determined that Ag NPs were prepared using green synthesis method, they were not aggregate, and obtained nanoparticles were stable. Also, nanoparticles were stable and were not degrading during one week.Some studies show longer stability than one week for syntheses of Ag NPs. These findings supported our research [19, 23].


### 3.1.4. Effect of AgNO3 Concentration

The effect of AgNO3 concentration was investigated on the synthesis of Ag NPs using peroxidase enzyme. For this purpose, Ag NPs were synthesized at different concentration (0.5, 1, 3, 5 ve 7 mM) of AgNO3 using the same amount of enzyme.The increasing concentration of AgNO3 increased synthesis of Ag NPs for 4 hours in Figure 5. However, the reaction synthesis of Ag NPs was performed at concentration of 1 mM AgNO3 concentration; the stability of reaction was increased as more stable (Figure 5). In general, its concentration of 1 mM seems appropriate for both measured and followed reaction. So, 1 mM concentration of AgNO3 was used in all performed studies [17].Figure 5
The effect of concentration of AgNO3 on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).


## 3.1.1. Effect of Temperature

UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticle prepared at different temperatures were given in Figure2. It was observed that the temperature increases and the absorbance increases in Figure 2.Figure 2
The effect of temperature on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).It has been observed that synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed with high amounts at room temperature with catalyzed peroxidase enzyme purified fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides). When the synthesis of Ag nanoparticle was done at room temperature, the great disadvantages could be prevented, spending extra energy and loss of its activity by denaturing of protein structure of peroxidase enzyme at high temperature.


## 3.1.2. Effect of pH

The effect of pH was investigated in the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra of silver nanoparticles prepared at different pH were given in Figure2. For this purpose, the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles was performed in the range of pH 3–11. Different chemical reagents were used for preparing appropriate buffer solutions (pH 2-3 phosphate buffers, pH 4-5-6 acetate buffers, pH 7-8 phosphate buffers, and pH 9-10-11 carbonate buffers). It was shown in Figure 3 that the pH values were affected a little on synthesis of nanoparticle but the highest synthesis of Ag NPs occurred at pH 6. In a study, conducted by Güngör et al. [17], optimum pH of purified peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was found as 6.0. Considering this situation, it was determined that synthesis of nanoparticle catalyzed by obtained peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia Amygdaloides) plant was performed at the highest rate at pH 6.0 which was the optimum pH of the enzyme. The synthesis of Ag NPs was also performed at room temperature, pH 6.0 (Figure 3). It was determined that the reaction rate was increased after 4 hours and Ag+ almost completely reduced to Ag0.Figure 3
The effect of pH on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).In the synthesis of Ag NPs performed with olive leaf extracts, optimum pH was found to be pH 8, the most stable pH of olive leaf extract as antioxidative [21, 22].


## 3.1.3. Effect of Contact Time at Room Temperature

The reduction reaction of Ag+ by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme obtained fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plants was observed for 4 hours. The graphic of absorbance changes depending on time of synthesis reaction of Ag NPs was given in Figure 4.Figure 4
UV-visible spectra of Ag nanoparticles as function of time at room temperature and pH 6.The absorbance values were monitored at 412 nm and show increase with time. The reactions of synthesis of Ag NPs were completed rate of 97% after 4 hours, followed during one day. From the obtained results, it was determined that Ag NPs were prepared using green synthesis method, they were not aggregate, and obtained nanoparticles were stable. Also, nanoparticles were stable and were not degrading during one week.Some studies show longer stability than one week for syntheses of Ag NPs. These findings supported our research [19, 23].


## 3.1.4. Effect of AgNO3 Concentration

The effect of AgNO3 concentration was investigated on the synthesis of Ag NPs using peroxidase enzyme. For this purpose, Ag NPs were synthesized at different concentration (0.5, 1, 3, 5 ve 7 mM) of AgNO3 using the same amount of enzyme.The increasing concentration of AgNO3 increased synthesis of Ag NPs for 4 hours in Figure 5. However, the reaction synthesis of Ag NPs was performed at concentration of 1 mM AgNO3 concentration; the stability of reaction was increased as more stable (Figure 5). In general, its concentration of 1 mM seems appropriate for both measured and followed reaction. So, 1 mM concentration of AgNO3 was used in all performed studies [17].Figure 5
The effect of concentration of AgNO3 on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).


## 3.2. XRD Studies

XRD and crystallographic analysis of produced Ag NPs by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme were given in Figure6.Figure 6
X-ray diffraction pattern of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides).The characteristic peaks of silver from XRD spectrum at 2θ = 38°, 43°, 63°, 82° can be indexed at (111), (200), (220), and (311) facets which agree with the values reported for face centered cubic (fcc) silver nanocrystals [24].


## 3.3. Surface Characterization of AG NPs

Chemical and mineralogical compositions of green synthesized Ag NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the surface of adsorbent. Images of Ag NPs were magnified 5000 times by Metek, Apollo prime, active area 10 mm2, Microscope inspect S50, and SE detector R580 (Figure 7). It is observed from Figure 7 that most of the Ag nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Figure 7 shows well dispersed Ag NPs have identified in the sizes range of 7–20 nm.Figure 7
SEM image of the synthesized silver nanoparticles.Many synthesized Ag NPs using plant extract mainly were determined as of spherical shape and 5–35 nm in size [24, 25].


## 3.4. Antibacterial Activity

Antibacterial effect of silver is known. Antibacterial activity of synthesized Ag NPs by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plant was studied using the disc diffusion methodagainst Serratia marcescens, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7.The diameter of inhibition zones (mm) around each well with silver nanoparticles solution is represented in Table2. The silver nanoparticles synthesized by peroxidase enzyme fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) (10 mL) are found to have highest antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.0 mm),Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (18.5 mm), andSalmonella typhimurium (18.5 mm). Then negative control (DMSO and distilled water) showed activity against all the microbial strains tested and no activity was observed against pathogens. The positive control (AgNO3) showed activity against all the microbial strains tested and the activity against all bacteria was observed as 5.0 mm.Table 2
Diameter zone of inhibition by Ag NPs and AgNO3 against human pathogenic bacteria.
Serial number
Pathogenic bacteria
Inhibition zone (mm)
Ag NPs
AgNO3
1
Serratia marcescens
18.0
5
2
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
18.5
5
3
Klebsiella pneumoniae
19.0
5
4
Staphylococcus aureus
11.0
5
5
Staphylococcus epidermidis
11.0
5
6
Streptococcus pyogenes
17.0
5
7
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
16.0
5
8
Salmonella typhimurium
18.5
5
9
Listeria monocytogenes
11.0
5
10
Escherichia coliO157:H7
17.5
5Ag NPs gain the ability to easily pass through the cell membrane of bacteria with the increase in surface area due to the fact that size of Ag NPs is small. Thus, the antibacterial activity of Ag NPs increases. From obtained results, it was concluded that synthesized Ag NPs could easily pass into bacteria and have high interaction with its surface. Synthesized Ag NPs were quite effective on microorganisms. Findings of some studies supported our work. The form surface which has high antimicrobial activity could be possibly synthesized with produced silver nanoparticles [26, 27].


## 4. Conclusion

The sizes of Ag NPs synthesized by catalyzed peroxidase enzyme obtained fromEuphorbia (Euphorbia amygdaloides) plants were in the range from 7 to 20 nm and in the spherical form. Ag NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD. The synthesis of Ag NPs was confirmed with performed analysis and characterization of Ag NPs was carried out in terms of size, quantity, direction, and morphology. In addition, the Ag NPs showed excellent antibacterial activity. Thus, synthesized Ag NPs are believed to have potential for use in the creation of new antibacterial floor and surface and the preparation of antimicrobial packaging materials, adhesive plasters, and dressings.



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*Source: 486948-2015-09-10.xml*