Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mangifera indica leaves extract at room temperature: Formation mechanism, catalytic reduction, colorimetric sensing, and antimicrobial activity

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using the leaves extract of mango (Mangifera indica) as a green reducing agent and stabilizer. The effects of time, the AgNO3 solution volume, and pH on the formation of AgNPs were investigated via UV–vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The results revealed that the greatest AgNPs stability was obtained with the AgNO3 volume of 300 µL, the reaction time of 30 min, and pH 10. The catalysis of organic dye reduction, colorimetric sensing, and antimicrobial activities of the fabricated AgNPs were also evaluated. Particularly, the catalysis reduction experiments confirmed a good catalysis performance of the AgNPs for decolorization of the crystal violet (CV) with a removal efficiency of 98.83 % under ultrasonic-assisted conditions, which was higher than that obtained under stirring conditions. Additionally, the fabricated AgNPs possessed good sensing performance of H2O2 and Hg(II) with a detection limit of 20.21 and 25.87 μg/L, respectively. The material also showed good antimicrobial activity, which efficaciously inhibited the growth of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungus with inhibition of over 85 %. According to the aforementioned results, the AgNPs synthesized from the Mangifera indica leaves extract can be promisingly utilized in medical and environmental treatment. [Display omitted] •AgNPs were rapidly formed during 30 min of reaction at room temperature (30 °C).•Four stages of formation and growth of AgNPs over reaction time were investigated.•The catalytic reduction towards CV shows a removal efficiency of 98.83 % in 7 min.•The Hg(II) and H2O2 colorimetric sensing possess the LOD of 20.21 and 25.87 μg/L.•High antimicrobial activity was observed against Gram–positive and –negative strains.