Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Telfairia occidentalis Leaf Extract and Bactericide Efficiency on Epoxy Matrix Doped Composites

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has gained significant attention due to its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-toxic approach. This study reports the synthesis of AgNPs using Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The phytochemical screening of Telfairia occidentalis showed that saponin, tannin, flavonoid, steroid and terpenoid are present in the sample. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the developed composites. Furthermore, the bactericidal efficiency of AgNPs-doped epoxy composites was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to assess their antimicrobial properties. It was observed that the inhibition zone increases with the increase in AgNPs in the composites. The results indicate that the synthesized AgNPs exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, making them suitable for biomedical and industrial applications. Keywords: Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, Telfairia occidentalis , Epoxy composite, Antibacterial properties.