Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Chemistry Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 55-65)

ABSTRACTS
Ficus Benjamina L. (Moraceae), often known as weeping fig, has multifunctional
activities. The leaves, stem, bark and other parts of the tree are extensively known for
the therapeutic functions that it possesses. Apart from being utilized as a general tonic,
indigenous populations employ its latex and certain fruit extracts to cure meningitis,
fever, piles, diarrhea, cancer, and respiratory problems. A simple, cost-effective, and
non-toxic technique was applied for AgNPs synthesis employing Ficus Benjamina
extract. In a 9:1 ratio, a mixture of varying amounts of silver nitrate solution (1mM,
2mM, and 5mM) and Ficus Benjamina plant extract was added. Several
characterization methods were used to characterize both plant extract and AgNPs,
including ultraviolet light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic light scattering/Zeta potential,
X-Ray Diffraction analysis, and X-Ray Fluorescence analysis. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl) were employed to assess the antioxidants activity of the extracts,
with ascorbic acid serving as the reference and comparison with AgNPs was done. The
agar disk diffusion method was used to evaluate antibacterial activity against B.
subtilis and E. coli bacterial pathogens. As a result, Ficus Benjamina extract can be
employed in the synthesis of AgNPs for use against bacteria strains and as
antioxidants, as evidenced by the distinct inhibitory zones and scavenging activity,
respectively.
Keywords: AgNPs, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant, Characterization Ficus
benjamina synthesis, Silver nitrate