Green and facile synthesis of Ag-Fe3O4 nanocomposites using the aqueous extract of Crataegus pinnatifida leaves and their antibacterial performance

The functional Ag-Fe3O4 nanocomposites (NCs) were successfully prepared via one-pot hydrothermal method using aqueous extract of Crataegus pinnatifida (C. pinnatifida) leaves as reducing and capping agent. The NCs were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The antimicrobial activity studies were investigated on both Gram positive S. aureus and Gram negative E. coli, which demonstrate that the NCs are toxic to microorganisms and exhibit sustainable antibacterial activity. Besides, the NCs can be separated easily from the medium by a magnet, and exhibit recyclable antibacterial activity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.