Practical mediated-assembly synthesis of silver nanowires using commercial Camellia sinensis extracts and their antibacterial properties

Camellia sinensis is a well-known plant used for health purposes due to its high phenolic compound content and antioxidant properties. For the first time, the infusion of green tea has allowed the growth and stabilization of silver nanowires (AgNWs). Two commercial types of green tea leaf extracts were used for the practical synthesis of AgNWs at low temperature. The use of low concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a directing agent was successful to obtain nanobar/nanorod assemblies that form 2-fold to 10-fold nanowires. FESEM, HRTEM and HAADF microscopies helped identify nanowires of similar to 50 nm in diameter and similar to 1.3 micron in length. The antibacterial properties of the AgNWs were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The AgNW morphology may damage the cell wall, accelerating cellular stress that leads to fatal inactivation of infectious microorganisms. This work provides a green approach to the aqueous biosynthesis of AgNWs with promising antibacterial properties.