Citrus pectin derived silver nanoparticles and their antibacterial activity

Herein, a green, simple, and cost-effective synthesis method for silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has been established by using citrus pectin as reducing and capping agent. Importantly, no toxic chemicals were added into the synthesis process. The Ag NPs were characterized by UV-vis, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. The results indicated the Ag NPs were spherical shape with small, uniform size of 3 nm and excellent dispersity. Additionally, the Ag NPs have good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Using citrus pectin for preparation of Ag NPs was potentially a new path for the efficient utilization of citrus resources.