Using Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles to Kill Antiobiotic Resistant E. coli

In this lab students will become familiar with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles, or bSNP’s. As part of the lesson students will learn the potential of using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles for use as antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (E. coli in this case). Students will create biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in lab, using plant extracts of peppermint, Aloe vera, and geranium to reduce AgNO₃ to metallic silver (Ag⁰). Students will conduct tests to compare bSNP efficacy on streptomycin- and ampicillin-resistant E. coli by comparing the ‘zone of inhibitions’ to those of standard antibiotics.