Hawthorn berries extract for the green synthesis of copper and silver nanoparticles

Silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNPs and CuNPs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their unique antimicrobial properties. Ethanol and water extracts of hawthorn fruit were chosen to prepare AgNPs and CuNPs. The effects of the pH, contact time, temperature of the solution, type of precursor of metal ions and type of hawthorn extract on the size distribution of particles were studied. The monodispersed and stable AgNPs and CuNPs were prepared with an average size of 60 nm and 200 nm, respectively. Total phenolic content and the anthocyanin content of extracts were determined. The antimicrobial activities of AgNPs and CuNPs were carried out with a series of microbial assays.