Research Article published by Dove Press JournalThis study presents a simple and trouble-free method for determining the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands. AgNPs were prepared by chemical reduction method using silver nitrates as a metallic precursor and formaldehyde (HCHO) as a reducing agent and capped by polyethylene glycol. Effects of several processing variables on the size and shape of AgNPs were monitored using an ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer based on their SPR bands. The formed particles showing various particle shapes and full width at half maximum (FWHM) were tested against Escherichia coli by surface spreading using agar plates containing equal amounts of selected AgNPs samples. The NPs exhibited higher antimicrobial properties; however, monodispersed spherical NPs with narrow FWHM were more effective against E. coli growth. The NPs prepared are promising candidates in diverse applications such as antimicrobial agents in the food and biomedical industries.