Use of biosynthetic silver nanoparticles in the surface sterilization of Pyracantha coccinea stem explants

Abstract

Nanotechnology is being used effectively in many areas contemporarily. Silver nanoparticles are one of the most used materials in antibacterial and antiseptic practices. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (green synthesis) is an alternative way to physical and chemical synthesis. In this study, water extracts of Alkanna tinctoria (alkanet) rhizomes were used for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis. Obtained colloidal silver nanoparticle solution was applied to Pyracantha coccinea (scarlet firethorn) stem explants for surface strerilization and the sterilization ratios in in vitro conditions were inspected. With respect to data, difference between 10% NaOCl and colloidal silver nanoparticle solution applications for surface sterilization of the stems were not found statistically significant. Moreover, in the application of sterilants for 20 minutes, silver nanoparticles showed the same surface sterilization activity (53.70%) as NaOCl.