Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using water extract of Salvia leriifolia: Antibacterial studies and applications as catalysts in the electrochemical detection of nitrite

Here, a green method is described for the biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using aqueous extracts of the leaf of Salvia leriifolia as reducing and stabilizing agent. Various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were employed for the characterization of the structure and morphology of bio‐synthesized AgNPs. The results reveal that AgNPs synthesized with uniform spherical morphology and average diameters of 27 nm. The AgNPs as a green and efficient heterogeneous catalyst presented superior antibacterial activity. Direct electrochemistry studies of the synthesized AgNPs confirmed that nanoparticles retained their direct electrochemical activity. This is mainly attributed to the proper biosynthesis process, the large specific surface area and the good conductivity of the synthesized nanoparticles. Hence, the present synthesized AgNPs displayed good electrocatalytic activity to the reduction of nitrite ions. The proposed method is highly recommended as a novel platform for the development of electrochemical sensors which can further expand the applications of AgNPs. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against nine microorganisms. AgNPs prevented the growth of all selected bacteria. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus coagulase, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Streptococcus pneumonia more than antibiotic of vancomycin, however, the ability of AgNPs against Echerishia coli and Serratia marcescens was less than the antibiotic. On the other hand AgNPs were active against Citrobacter frurdii, while the antibiotic was inactive.