Lignin was used as a template for the first time to in situ synthesize lignin-based silver nanoparticles composites using sodium borohydride or ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. The lignin-based silver nanoparticles composites were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that silver nanoparticles with good dispersibility were well anchored onto the surface of lignin and the nanoparticles had pseudospherical shape with size mostly in 45–55 nm. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the composites was studied against E. coli. A headspace gas chromatographic technique was used to monitor the bacterial growth by measuring the CO2 released by the bacteria. The results showed that the lignin-based silver nanoparticles composites can be used as potential antimicrobial agents.
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