Starch-capped silver oxide (Ag2O) nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity

Silver oxide nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using a green synthetic method and water as a solvent. Starch was used as a capping and reducing agent because it is cheap, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The effect of precursor and capping agent concentrations were investigated. The nanoparticles have been characterized using spectroscopic and morphological techniques. The spectrum of Ag2O nanoparticles showed the maximum absorbance range at 350-366 nm. TEM analysis showed a size particle range of 2-14 nm. The increase in precursor concentration showed an increase in particle size while increasing the capping agent concentration resulting in reduced particle size. Increased capping concentration also resulted in the change to nanofibers. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. The 2:1 Ag2O ratio showed the best activity towards both strains, 15 ± 0.19 and 14 ± 0.11 mm diameter, respectively.