Photocatalytic and Antibacterial activities of bio-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Grewia asiatica leaves extract

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were fabricated at room temperature using Grewia asiatica leaf extract. Photocatalytic activity (degradation of organic dye) and biological activities (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic) of AgNPs were also unveiled. The optical and physicochemical properties of silver nanoparticles were characterised using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis, and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The green synthesis was justified using UV-visible spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of AgNPs. The reducing and capping nature of leaf extract was explained by FTIR. The relative capping of AgNPs was studied using FESEM. The hydrodynamic size and polydispersity index of the fabricated silver nanoparticles were analysed using DLS. The photocatalytic activity of AgNPs was observed over crystal violet dye under visible light resulting in efficient removal. AgNPs were also employed to biological activities indicating good antibacterial activity (against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), efficient anti-inflammatory activity, and excellent anti-arthritic activity. This work explains the various applications of AgNPs: an efficient photocatalyst as well as a biomedical weapon.