Synthesis and characterization comparison of peanut shell extract silver nanoparticles with commercial silver nanoparticles and their antifungal activity

Peanut shell extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), their characterization compared to commercial AgNPs, and the antifungal activity of synthesized and commercial AgNPs were studied. Ultraviolet-Visible spectra (450 nm), X-ray diffraction peaks (2 theta = 39.26, 45.54, 65.12, and 79.21), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that both AgNPs were similar. High resolution-transmission electron microscopy showed that both the nanoparticles were mostly spherical and oval in shape, with an average particle size of 10 to 50 nm. Both the AgNPs (30 mu g) showed a 5 to 6 mm zone of inhibition against the agricultural fungal pathogens Phytophthora infestans and Phytophthora capsici. (C) 2015 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.