The synthesis and crystal structure of a novel polymeric silver(I) complex derived from nicotinic acid (HL) are described. The infrared spectra of the complex are also discussed. The smallest repeating unit of the complex contains an [AgL] unit. The Ag atom is coordinated by one nitrogen and two oxygen atoms from three symmetry related ligands, to form Y-shaped trigonal coordination geometry. In the crystal, each ligand acting in a tridentate NOO mode bridges three Ag atoms to form 2D layers parallel to the ab plane. The shortest Ag···Ag distance is 3.038(1) Å. In vitro study shows that the complex is very cytotoxic against some human fungal and bacterial pathogens.