Synthesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles by γ-irradiation

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by γ-irradiation of silver ions in aqueous solutions containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Increasing of γ-irradiation doses from 1 to 5 kGy enhanced the concentration of Ag NPs, indicated by UV–vis analysis. The XRD and the TEM measurements showed the production of face-centered cubic (fcc) Ag NPs with a mean size of about 16 nm. The produced nanoparticles were effectively stabilized by PVP through interactions, confirmed by the FT-IR. The relatively higher antibacterial activities of Ag NPs, synthesized through γ-irradiation method, against E. coli indicate their potential for practical applications as biocidal materials.