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Abstract We describe a new approach to the formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using cellulose nanocrystals. The process involves period-ate oxidation of cellulose nanocrystals, generating aldehyde functions which, in turn, are used to reduce Ag? into Ag0 in mild alkaline conditions. The nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. From the microscope stud-ies (TEM) we observed that Ag NPs have spherical shape with a size distribution comprise between 20 and 45 nm. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration. The antibacterial assays compare favourably with most of other experiments conducted with the same species