Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by cold plasma reaction for biological applications

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using cold atmospheric plasma which is generated by argon gas. The silver nanoparticles were prepared by using an aqueous solution of AgNO3 with different concentrations (0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.2, and 1.4 mM) with an exposure time of 4 min. The UV-VIS spectrum for Ag nanoparticle solution exhibits peaks in the visible area between 416 and 433 nm, which demonstrates that Ag nanoparticle creation is caused by the surface Plasmon resonance. The concentration affects the peaks of the absorption spectra. Strong peaks can be seen in the XRD pattern of produced silver nanoparticles as a function of change in AgNO3 concentration (0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.2, and 1.4 mM) with time. The particle size is variable and falls between the range of 30-74 nm, with a spherical form, according to the FESEM microscopic images of Ag nanoparticles of various concentrations at plasma exposure duration. Ag NPs at a concentration of 1 mM and a plasma exposure time of 4 min are more stabilizing and less agglomerative than other Ag NP concentrations, according to DLS and Zeta potential (ZP) results. The biological activity of the synthesized Ag NPs against some pathogenic bacterial species (S. aureus, E. coli) was investigated by the well diffusion method and MIC method and showed superior antibacterial activity in terms of the well diffusion method.