Dual action of pyroligneous acid in the eco-friendly synthesis of bactericidal silver nanoparticles

In the present study, we demonstrate that pyroligneous acid (PA), also known as wood vinegar, functions efficiently as both reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs take place in the following fashion: 1) in alkaline environment, oxygenated species (phenols in the present case) contained in PA reduce silver ions to metallic silver; 2) acetic acid, abundantly present in PA, adsorb onto the AgNPs conferring electrostatic stabilization. This mechanism is supported by GC-MS and RAMAN analysis, with the former revealing the compounds lacking in PA after nanoparticle synthesis and the latter demonstrating acetic acid adsorbed on the nanoparticles. The AgNPs produced via this method were quite stable up to 150 days (zeta potential = -56 mV). The AgNPs were then found to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Concerning PA, we showed that it displays bactericidal properties only under acidic conditions. This study contributes to the development of more environmentally benign routes to produce nanomaterials.