Work

Green synthesis of silver silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) nanoparticles using macadamia nutshell xylan extract, characterization and evaluation of its antibacterial activity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Currently, there is unprecedented emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria which demand urgent development of novel strategies to combat bacterial infections in humans. In this study, we report on a facile and eco-friendly green synthesis of silver-silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl-NPs) using macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) nutshell (MNS) agro-waste. The effects of physicochemical parameters including pH, Ag ion precursor concentration, time, and temperature were investigated. The biosynthesized Ag/AgCl-NPs sample was characterized using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, field emission scanning spectroscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). UV–Vis spectroscopy exhibited surface plasmon resonance (SPR) between 420 and 446 nm typical for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). FT-IR spectroscopy provided an insight of the phytochemicals responsible for the reduction of Ag+ into Ago and capping/stabilizing the formed Ag/AgCl-NPs. XRD spectroscopy revealed the formation of crystalline Ag/AgCl-NPs with characteristic peaks at around 38.3°, 44.1°, 64.6°, and 77.5° for AgNPs, and 28.9°, 31.9°, 45.4°, 56.3°, and 66.1° for AgCl NPs. FE-SEM spectroscopy exhibited spherical and block like morphologies of agglomerated Ag/AgCl-NPs. TEM illustrated polydisperse spherical shapes of Ag/AgCl-NPs with average particle sizes of 31.11 nm. EDX confirmed the presence of Ag and Cl elements confirming the formation of Ag/AgCl-NPs. The antibacterial activity of the green synthesized Ag/AgCl-NPs was performed using disc diffusion method and the zone inhibition (ZOI) evaluation showed their effectiveness against Gram negative (E. coli) and Gram positive (S. aureus).

Source: Discover Nano

DOI: 10.1186/s11671-025-04192-z

Authors: Andrew K. Yegon, Joshua Akinropo Oyetade, Stanslaus G. Mtavangu, Mwemezi J. Rwiza, Revocatus L. Machunda

Institutions: Mwenge Catholic University, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090