Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by subjecting an aqueous solution of AgNO3 and polyvinyl alcohol to irradiation from an UV lamp has been studied for its antibacterial potential against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The diameter of the zone of inhibition is found to depend on both the irradiation time and the nanoparticle concentration. As the synthesis method adopted uses no toxic reagents, these particles may serve as promising candidates in the search for better antibacterial agents. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.