Antibacterial performance of GO–Ag nanocomposite prepared via ecologically safe protocols

Control and extinction of the rising problem of antimicrobial resistance makes a multidisciplinary approach for the advancement of novel disinfectant agents imperative. Although graphene-based nanomaterials display high bacterial toxicity, their cytotoxicity to mammalian cells is found to be very low. Herein, a simple green approach for the synthesis of graphene oxide–silver composite using Syzgium cumini (Indian black plum) fruit extract was reported. Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities of the composite were subsequently studied comparing with silver nanoparticles and pure graphene oxide. We demonstrate the influence of precursor materials in dictating the antibacterial properties of nanosystems. The antibacterial study conducted on selected gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria reveals that composite is more effective against gram-negative bacteria. The microbicidal activity of composite against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, was higher than the control drug cephalexin (CE control). Test compounds against L929 cell lines by MTT assay reveal the low cytotoxicity of samples. From the statistical analysis, it is inferred that the cell viability is dependent on the concentration. Fruit extract-based graphene–silver composite could be an excellent environment-friendly replacement for harsh disinfectants.