Green synthesis of xanthan conformation-based silver nanoparticles: Antibacterial and catalytic application

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were green synthetized using xanthan gum (XG) dissolved in water as reducing and capping agent for the first time. The structure, morphology, and size of Ag NPs in XG aqueous solutions were investigated with UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared. The results indicated Ag NPs were integrated successfully in the XG matrix and the optical properties and morphology of Ag NPs could be regulated by the synthesis condition. The aggregation of the XG-bonded Ag NPs increased with storage, whereas the size barely changed. The assemble behavior was related to the XG conformation transition of denaturation and renaturation. The one spot formed Ag NPs showed favorable antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus and excellent catalytic capability of 4-nitrophenol reduction. This work provided a feasible method to detect the biopolymer space structure transition through the intensity of metal nanoparticles labeled on the chain.