Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using a natural extract obtained from an agroindustrial residue of the tequila industry

Abstract The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract of an agroindustrial residue of the tequila industry [i.e. leaves of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul (AT)], and silver nitrate or silver acetate as precursor salts is reported. The presence of AgNPs was confirmed by color change, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. AgNPs were tested against clinically important bacteria. The effect of extract concentration and the reaction temperature was investigated. Results revealed that, the concentration of AgNPs increases as temperature and extract concentration increase. AgNPs were found to be mainly spherical shaped and showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results demonstrate the possibility of using a natural extract obtained from an abundant agroindustrial residue for the sustainable synthesis of AgNPs.