Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles obtained with the "green" method using spruce needles extract

Abstract

This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using spruce needles extract, a novel approach leveraging the bioactive compounds in the needles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles, characterized by scanning electron microscopy, exhibited an average size of 61.8 nm and good distribution within the organic medium. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using bacterial colony counts from a food sample (chicken wing flush). Two batches of silver nanoparticles were tested: the first with a 1:4 proportion of plant extract to 1mM AgNO3, and the second with a 1:9 proportion. The best antibacterial results were observed in the 1:9 proportion sample synthesized with both needles and branches, indicating the convenience of using unseparated plant material. The presence of the organic medium may influence antibacterial efficacy, suggesting the need for further research. Our antibacterial tests, conducted with a real food sample, provide relevant insights for potential applications in the food industry. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using spruce needles extract for sustainable silver nanoparticles synthesis, highlighting the potential for innovative applications in food safety and medical fields. Future research should focus on optimizing synthesis conditions and further characterizing the nanoparticles to enhance antibacterial performance.