Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate the simple one-pot novel green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) functionalised with a combination of banana peel (Musa paradaisica) and grape (Vitis vinifera) fruit extracts. The reaction mixture of aqueous gold chloride, banana peel and grape extracts revealed a purple colour after a reaction time of one hour, an indication of the presence and the successful synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The optical and structural properties of the green synthesized nanoparticles were analysed using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) while their surface morphology was determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Microscopy (HRTEM) and Small Angle X-Ray (SAX). Furthermore, a quick and simple surface plasmon resonance (SPR) study in the form of an optical sensor for the detection of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 strain was also achieved using UV-Vis. The obtained limit of detection (LOD) value for SPR for the GBPE|Au-NPs|GCE-based system was found to be 1 × 10(2) CFU/mL, a value well in the range for detection in seawater.•Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) was functionalised using banana peel (Musa paradaisica) and grape (Vitis vinifera) fruit extracts as capping and stabilizing agents.•Structural characterization of the Au-NPs was achieved using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) while their surface morphology was determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Microscopy (HRTEM) and Small Angle X-Ray (SAX).•The green synthesized Au-NPs were used to detect Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli 0157:H7) strain using Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) where the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was studied.