Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its applications as sensor, catalyst, and antibacterial agent

We have reported for the first time a solvated electron mediated reduction of silver ion (Ag+) in presence of extract of Murraya koenigii (Mk) leaf as a surfactant to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Synthesized NPs show efficient ascorbic acid sensing at the µM range along with selective detection of different metal ions due to the presence of different biomolecules on the surface which are present in the extract. Synthesized nontoxic AgNPs will also exhibit proficient photocatalytic behavior for the degradation of toxic dyes due to the effective coupling between surface plasmon of AgNPs and the excited state continuum of the dye fluorophores. AgNPs will also exhibit substantial antibacterial activities. Altogether, our biosynthesized nontoxic NPs could be effectively used as both chemical and biosensor, catalyst as well as antibacterial agent.