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Geranium leaf assisted biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles.
S Shiv Shankar1, Absar Ahmad, Murali Sastry
1Materials Chemistry Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India.
Biotechnology Progress
|December 6, 2003
Summary
Geranium leaf extract rapidly synthesizes stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This plant-based biosynthesis is faster than microbial methods, advancing green nanotechnology for metal nanoparticle production.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Biologically inspired synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing field in nanotechnology.
- Exploring eco-friendly methods for nanoparticle synthesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) leaf extract for extracellular silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis.
- To compare the synthesis rate with microbial methods and assess the potential of plant-based biosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous silver nitrate solution was treated with Geranium leaf extract.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to analyze the size and structure of synthesized nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Rapid reduction of silver ions to form highly stable, crystalline silver nanoparticles.
- Synthesized AgNPs ranged from 16 to 40 nm and formed quasilinear superstructures.
- The synthesis rate using geranium extract was faster than previously observed with Fusarium oxysporum.
Conclusions:
- Geranium leaf extract is effective for rapid and stable extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
- Plant-based biosynthesis offers a promising alternative to microbial methods, potentially achieving rates comparable to chemical synthesis.
- This study advances the use of plants over microorganisms for metal nanoparticle biosynthesis.