Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Artocarpus elasticus stem bark extract

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Green Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing interest in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles due to their widespread applications.
• Plant-based synthesis offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
• This study reports the first green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Artocarpus elasticus stem bark extract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using a green and cost-effective method.
• To investigate the role of Artocarpus elasticus stem bark extract as both a reductant and stabilizer.
• To explore the effect of reaction time on the characteristics of synthesized Ag-NPs.

Main Methods:

• Biosynthesis of Ag-NPs using aqueous silver nitrate and methanolic extract of Artocarpus elasticus.
• Characterization of Ag-NPs using UV-vis spectroscopy, powder X-Ray diffraction, TEM, SEM, and FT-IR.
• Morphological and structural analysis of Ag-NPs synthesized at different reaction times (3, 6, 24, and 48 hours).

Main Results:

• Spherical Ag-NPs were formed with average sizes ranging from 5.81 ± 3.80 nm to 19.74 ± 9.70 nm depending on reaction time.
• Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline nature and face-centered cubic structure of the Ag-NPs.
• FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for the bioreduction and stabilization of silver ions.

Conclusions:

• Artocarpus elasticus stem bark extract is effective in the green synthesis and stabilization of Ag-NPs.
• The size of biosynthesized Ag-NPs is dependent on the reaction time at room temperature, increasing with longer durations.
• This study demonstrates a simple and efficient biosynthetic method for producing Ag-NPs using plant extracts.