Synthesis and characterization of proanthocyanidins-functionalized Ag nanoparticles

Preparation of Ag nanoparticles with high antibacterial activities and low adverse effects is urgently needed to apply to the medical and consumer products. In this study, a facile, one-step hydrothermal method has been developed to synthesize proanthocyanidins-functionalized Ag nanoparticles in aqueous solution. UV absorption spectra measurement indicated that the obtained Ag nanomaterials are mainly spherical in shape. FTIR results implied that the poly flavonoids moiety of proanthocyanidins have specific interactions with the surface of Ag nanoparticles. HR-TEM and XRD determination revealed that the Ag nanoparticles had a shell-core structure and the Ag core possessed a highly crystalline structure. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the proanthocyanidins-functionalized-Ag nanoparticles have high bactericidal efficiency against both bacterial and fungus. Further taking into account their excellent stability, the proanthocyanidins-functionalized Ag nanoparticles in present study have the potential to be applied to the products required for the long-acting antibacterial action.