Morphology and antibacterial activity of carbohydrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles were prepared by a simple hydrothermal route and chemical reduction using carbohydrates (sucrose, soluble and waxy corn starch) as reducing as well as stabilizing agents. The crystallite size of these nanoparticles was evaluated from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and was found to be 25nm. The effect of carbohydrates on the morphology of the silver nanocomposites was studied using scanning EM (SEM). The nanocomposites exhibited interesting inhibitory as well as bactericidal activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Incorporation of silver also increased the thermal stability of the carbohydrates.