Introduction:

Biosynthesis has emerged as an option for obtaining nanometric materials due to the need to use more environmentally-friendly synthesis methods.

Objective:

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with aqueous Crataegus gracilior Phipps (tejocote) bark extract as precursor.

Methodology:

Ag NPs were synthesized with AgNO3 and aqueous Crataegus gracilior bark extracts, and later characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, their size distribution and zeta potential were obtained.

Results:

The presence of Ag NPs reached maximum values at concentrations of 10 % (w/v). Mostly spherical nanoparticles were found in the range of 20 to 50 nm in size. FTIR confirmed the stabilization of the nanoparticles through their interactions with functional groups of carbohydrates and proteins. XRD and TEM results were explained by their face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with a size of 26 nm, a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 108 nm and polydispersity index of 0.24. The zeta potential values in the dispersions were -21.9 ± 5.11 mV, denoting colloidal stability.

Limitations of the study:

The characteristics of the nanoparticles obtained are only valid under the following synthesis conditions: 10 % (w/v) solids and pH 10.

Originality:

A non-reported plant material was used, capable of acting as a reducing and passivating agent of silver nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

Biosynthesis of Ag NPs with tejocote extract is an efficient, low-cost and environmentally-friendly method.