Catalytic performance of the biosynthesized AgNps from Bistorta amplexicaule: antifungal, bactericidal, and reduction of carcinogenic 4-nitrophenol

This study was focused to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNps) from the aqueous extract of and to evaluate their antimicrobial, antifungal, and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) degradation potential. The AgNps from were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. The biological activity of the AgNps was checked against the three bacterial and two fungal strains. The inhibition activities of the synthesized nanoparticles on pathogenic bacteria and fungi were equally studied using the colony-forming unit method. The AgNps synthesized showed excellent bactericidal and fungicidal activities against pathogenic , , methicillin-resistant (MRSA), , and . The removal of nitrophenols is one of the most demanding tasks, due to their injurious impact on the health of the living organisms. The AgNps showed superior performance compared with the pure plant extract. The AgNps also displayed efficient catalytic ability in reducing toxic 4-NP into harmless 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH solution. Hence, the synthesized AgNps can be effectively used against bacterial and fungal infections and in the decontamination of 4-NP polluted water.