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Yellow pepper extract and quercetin (QDH) were used for YPE-AgNPs and Q-AgNPs fabrication. The AgNPs were thoroughly characterized using standard physico-chemical techniques and were found monodispersed, pleomorphic and had variable shape and size with a lattice fringe of 0.23 nm. YPE-AgNPs and Q-AgNPs revealed a characteristic SPR band at 438 nm and 431 nm. The XRD crystal size of YPE-AgNPs and Q-AgNPs was 10.16 and 12.20 nm while TEM analysis showed a size range of 5–40 and 1–25 nm. Bio-fabricated AgNPs remained stable for at least four weeks as the SPR did not deviate with time. FTIR data revealed functionalization of AgNPs by organics of reaction mixture. AgNPs had robust antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against ESβL(+) Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and methicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Staining of isolates with fluorescent probes displayed the increased production of ROS and membrane permeability. AgNPs hampered EPS production, endorsed DNA leakage, and generated superoxide radicals. Time and concentration dependent experiments demonstrated a consistent decrease in bacterial growth. Structural changes viz. irregular margins, distortion, depressions/indentations and shrinkage of cells were obvious under SEM. AgNPs due to strong antibacterial activity could be exploited as a supplement with antibacterial drugs to control resilient human infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]