Impact of Plant Extract Phytochemicals on the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Oksana Velgosova ¹, Silvia Dolinská ², Helena Podolská ¹

⁰Institute of Materials and Quality Engineering, Faculty of Materials Metallurgy and Recycling, Technical University of Košice, Letná 9/A, 042 00 Košice, Slovakia.

Materials (basel, Switzerland) +

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May 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Plant extracts influence silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis, affecting their size and shape. Specific compounds in extracts enable control over nanoparticle morphology for tailored applications.

Area Of Science

Biotechnology
Materials Science
Nanotechnology

Background

Green synthesis of nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods.
Plant-derived compounds can act as reducing and capping agents in nanoparticle formation.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the impact of various plant extracts on silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis.
To analyze how plant extract composition influences AgNP characteristics, including shape and size.
To explore the potential for controlled AgNP fabrication using natural precursors.

Main Methods

Preparation of extracts from six different plant sources: maclura fruit, spruce needles, ginkgo needles, green algae (Ch. kessleri), Collybia nuda, and Macrolepiota procera.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using these plant extracts.
Analysis of extract and nanoparticle composition via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Characterization of nanoparticle size and shape using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Elemental analysis of synthesized nanoparticles using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Main Results

Plant extract composition significantly affected the rate of silver nanoparticle synthesis.
Predominantly spherical AgNPs (10-25 nm) were observed, with variations in shape influenced by extract components.
Extracts rich in flavonoids, terpenes, and phenols promoted the formation of triangular prisms and polyhedral nanoparticles.
EDS confirmed the elemental composition of the synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Conclusions

Selected plant extracts can effectively mediate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
The phytochemical profile of plant extracts is crucial in determining AgNP size and morphology.
Tailoring plant extract selection and treatment allows for controlled synthesis of diverse nanoparticle shapes.

Keywords:

AgNPs FTIR TEM functional groups green synthesis

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