This study presents a green, rapid, and eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. A visible color change from whitish-yellow to dark brown indicated nanoparticle formation, which was further, validated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks that lies at 460 nm in the UV–vis spectral region. Structural and functional characterization studies of the green-synthesized AgNPs were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results revealed face–centered cubic crystallinity and a spherical morphology with a size range of 36-46 nm, confirmed by XRD and SEM analyses, respectively. The presence of elemental silver recorded at 3keV, along with other moieties, was confirmed by the EDX spectrum. Functional groups such as alcohols, amines and hydroxyl groups associated with silver nanoparticles were evidenced by the FT-IR spectroscopy. The AgNPs synthesized from plant extract exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, outperforming both AgNO₃ and crude leaf extract. Similarly, the antioxidant efficacy assessed by the DPPH assay demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging, attributed to the surface chemistry and size of the nanoparticles. The plant-based synthesis of nanoparticles provides an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to developing biocompatible materials with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Further studies may examine anticancer activity through in-vivo models and evaluate toxicity in animal systems for drug development.
