Synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a safer alternative to conventional antimicrobial and antibacterial agents

Abstract

We present the synthesis of spherical silver nanoparticles by simple and low cost chemical route. Well-dispersed silver nanoparticles were prepared by reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) with glucose in presence of protective agent polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Sodium hydroxide was used to enhance the reaction velocity. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD pattern showed the face centered cubic structure of silver nanoparticles. The crystallite size was found to be 18 nm using Scherrer formula. The spherical morphology of silver nanoparticles was confirmed from SEM image. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed the average particle size of silver nanoparticles was about 15 nm. Silver nanoparticles can kills bacteria when spreads on shoes, socks, phone and even computer keyboard. A preliminary test shows that silver nanoparticles are highly active against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. This reveals that silver nanoparticles could provide a safer alternative to conventional antimicrobial and antibacterial agents.