Green synthesis and anti-microbial activity of mono-dispersed silver nanoparticles synthesized using lemon extract

Abstract

A simple, environmentally benign green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was achieved using lemon fruit extract (Citrus lemon). The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The predominantly spherical mono dispersed 2 to 10 nm sized silver nanoparticles were obtained for the first time using lemon extract. The anti-microbial activity of silver nanoparticles was also explored. Lemon extract-mediated synthesis is cost efficient, eco-friendly and an easy alternative to conventional methods of silver nanoparticles synthesis.