Eco-friendly synthesis of Ag-NPs using Cerasus serrulata plant extract - Its catalytic, electrochemical reduction of 4-NPh and antibacterial activity

In the present investigation, we report a facile, reproducible and effortless biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) utilizing Cerasus serrulata (C. serrulata) leaves extract as reducing as well as stabilizing agent. The size of synthesized Ag-NPs was in the range of 15-24 nm when examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction studies. The Ag-NPs obtained using C serrulata exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NPh) to 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4 and demonstrate noteworthy electrochemical performance for 4-NPh reduction. The linear range, detection limit and sensitivity are estimated as 0.09-82.5 mu M (r = 0.991), 0.06 mu M and 3.0 mu A mu M-1 cm(2) respectively. The Ag-NPs were found to show higher antimicrobial efficiency against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.