Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Prunus yedoensis leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity

• The simple, eco friendly and cost effective approach of silver nanoparticles synthesis is studied.
• The silver nanoparticles are synthesized using leaf extract of Prunus×yedoensis.
• The silver nanoparticles are characterized by UV–Vis spectra, XRD, FTIR and TEM.
• The silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis skin bacteria.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Prunus×yedoensis leaf extract was studied. Color changes, ultraviolet–visible spectra (436 nm), X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ=39.26, 45.54, 65.12, and 79.21) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the presence of Ag NPs. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical and oval in shape, with an average particle size of 20 to 70 nm. The phytoconstituents present in the leaf extract could be responsible for the reduction of Ag+ ions. The synthesized Ag NPs (30 μg) show a 18 and 20 mm zone of inhibition against skin pathogens Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis compared with commercial Ag NPs.