Synthesis and Characterisation of Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract from Kebbi State

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has gained considerable attention as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. Moringa oleifera, the miracle tree, is abundantly cultivated in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria, and its leaves are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds that can act as both reducing and capping agents in nanoparticle synthesis. This study synthesised and characterised silver nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extract of M. oleifera sourced from Birnin Kebbi as the reducing agent and silver nitrate as the precursor salt. Synthesis was confirmed by the characteristic colour change from pale yellow to dark brown. Nanoparticles were characterised using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The UV-Vis surface plasmon resonance peak was observed at 432 nm, confirming silver nanoparticle formation. SEM analysis revealed predominantly spherical particles with an average size of 18 to 42 nm. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of flavonoid and phenolic capping agents on the nanoparticle surface. Preliminary antimicrobial testing showed enhanced activity against S. aureus and E. coli compared to the crude extract alone. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using Kebbi State Moringa leaf extract for green silver nanoparticle synthesis with potential pharmaceutical applications. Keywords: silver nanoparticles, green synthesis, Moringa oleifera, Kebbi State, antimicrobial.