Author: ALEXANDRA CIORÎȚĂ, ROBERT GUTT, ILDIKO LUNG, MARIA LOREDANA SORAN, MARCEL PÂRVU

Abstract: Green-synthesized Ag-MnO2 nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial capacity. Two important plant extracts were used for synthesis: Vinca minor and Chelidonium majus, with well-known pharmacological activities. After the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration against two bacterial strains (one Gram-negative and one Gram-positive model), the plant extracts were used to form three types of metal nanoparticles. The antimicrobial effect of the nanoparticles was assessed against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans. The results indicated that the Ag-MnO2 nanoparticles synthesized with V. minor plant extract were the most efficient against all tested pathogens. As a future perspective, these nanoparticles are suited to design a non-invasive applicator to treat biodeteriorated cultural heritage, such as archives, sculptures, or paintings.

Keywords: Ag-MnO2, green synthesis, antimicrobial effects, image processing, cultural heritage.

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