Plant-mediated biosynthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles

Single-pot biosynthesis of silver and gold quasi-spherical nanoparticles (SNPs and GNPs) in the size range of 10-30 nm was attempted using Chenopodium album (an obnoxious weed). This method is rapid, facile, convenient and environmentally safe. Average crystal size was approximately 12 nm and 10 nm for silver and gold nanocrystals respectively. Synthesized NPs were stable in a wide range of pH as there was less variation in zeta potential values. In synthesis of SNPs and GNPs, naturally occurring oxalic acid played significant role in bio-reduction of silver nitrate and auric acid solution into their corresponding silver and gold nano-colloids in single step rapid process.