Abstract
Background: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are of tremendous interest due to their wide application range in the field of therapeutics and diagnostics. However, its potential is limited by its mode of synthesis utilizing different chemicals which are costly, hazardous and often labor-intensive. Nevertheless, the GNPs synthesized through green methods by using plant extracts can overcome these limitations and have wider acceptance.
Objective: The present study intends to synthesize and characterize the GNPs by exploiting the bioreducing properties of Heartleaf moonseed leaf extract (HMLE), a well-known medicinal plant. Method: Different volume fractions (1-6%) of aqueous- ethanoic extract of Heartleaf moon seed were used for GNPs synthesis via microwave heating for a minute. The synthesis of GNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy and characterized by Zeta potential measurement, Fourier Transform Infra- red Spectroscopy (FTIR), X- ray Diffraction studies (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results: UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed GNP formation giving a characteristic peak at 560 nm. Zeta potentiometer showed the charge of GNPs as -30.3mV. XRD pattern of gold that is (111), (200), (220) and (311) was obtained due to Bragg reflections corresponding to different lattice planes of GNPs. FTIR analysis indicated the surface adsorption of biomolecules containing asymmetric and symmetric CH2 stretch bands. TEM image showed different sizes of GNPs with an average of 12 ± 3.7 nm and shape such as polygonal, cylindrical and prism-shaped GNPs. Conclusion: This method avoids the use of toxic chemicals; hence possesses immense prospect in vivid biomedical applications.Keywords: Gold nanoparticles, medicinal plant, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy.
Graphical Abstract
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