Synthesis of Branched Ag Nanoflowers Based on a Bioinspired Technique: Their Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

This paper describes a new approach for synthesis of branched flowerlike silver (Ag) nanostructured particles. These particles are characterized to ascertain their surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) property and antibacterial activity. The branched silver nanoflowers (SNF) are obtained using a biofriendly molecule—rutin, which acts as a reducing/stabilizing agent. The growth of nanostructured particles is highly perceptive to the concentration of stabilizer and precursor. The SNFs have been characterized by UV−visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, and XPS measurements. The high resolution TEM measurement reveals that SNFs have twin planes on their surfaces. The SERS activity of SNFs was investigated with methylene blue (MB) as a probe molecule. The antibacterial activity of SNFs was investigated using the agar well diffusion method. The SNFs show potential antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. Faecalis, and Echerichia Coli bacterium of clinical interest.