Bio-inspired Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Potential Antibacterial Applications

The use of phytochemicals for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is economical, easily accessible and harmless, and that can provide nanoparticles of controlled size and morphology. The current study focused on the green, quick, simplistic and cost-effective synthesis of AgNPs using Vaccinium corymbosum, a perennial flowering plant with blue or purple-colored berries, and antibacterial potential of synthesized AgNPs. UV-Visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of AgNPs. DLS analysis showed that the phytochemicals present in blue berries resulted in monodispersed spherical AgNPs in the size range of 40 to 80 nm. AgNPs possessed potential antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and were nontoxic. Therefore, green synthesis of nano silvers has the potential to serve as a powerful antimicrobial agent for various therapeutic applications.