Synthesis and characterization of nanosilver with antibacterial properties using Pinus densiflora young cone extract

• The simple and eco-friendly approach for synthesis of silver nanoparticles is studied.
• The silver nanoparticles are synthesized using Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis Uyeki young cone extract.
• The silver nanoparticles are characterized by UV–Vis spectra, XRD, FTIR and TEM.
• The silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity against B. linens, P. acnes, B. cereus, and S. epidermidis.

This study describes an eco-friendly, rapid method for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate using Pinus densiflora for. multicaulis Uyeki young cone extract in a single-pot process. Color changes, ultraviolet–visible spectra (444.5 nm), X-ray diffraction peaks (2θ = 39.68, 46.92, 68.12, and 79.10), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the presence of Ag NPs and phytochemicals. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles were mostly oval in shape, with a few triangular-shaped particles. Average particle size was 30–80 nm. Phytochemicals present in the young pine cone extract were likely responsible for the reduction of Ag+ ions. The synthesized Ag NPs (40 μg) had a 7 mm larger zone of inhibition against the skin pathogen Brevibacterium linens than commercial Ag NPs, Propionibacterium acnes (14 mm), Bacillus cereus (9 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (10 mm).

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