Harnessing nature: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Thymus extract and their antibacterial efficacy and photocatalytic application

In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous extracts of Thymus leaves in three different volumes (1, 3, and 5 cc) as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to conventional synthesis methods. Structural and optical characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy (under excitations at 380, 410, and 450 nm). The results confirmed the formation of face-centered cubic silver nanoparticles, with the sample prepared using 3 cc of extract showing optimal properties. This sample had a crystalline size of 37.2 nm, an average particle size of 196 nm, and exhibited 95.4 % degradation of methylene blue under UV-A light in 100 min. It also demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity, creating inhibition zones of 31 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 27 mm against Escherichia coli. The study highlights the effectiveness of Thymus-mediated green synthesis for producing silver nanoparticles with strong antibacterial and photocatalytic performance, suitable for biomedical and environmental applications.