Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using honey from the meliponinae stingless bee species and antibacterial studies.

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is an environmentally friendly approach for preparing nanoparticles using biological sources as the reducing agent. Apart from using plant extracts, honey, that is used in this study affords to act as a reducing and capping agent. Silver nanoparticles have been reported to show good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be potentially applied as antibacterial agents. Additionally, to their attractive characteristics, they are biocompatible which makes them safe for therapeutic applications. Similarly, stingless bees honey has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties and have been historically used to heal wounds.