Comparative study of silver and gold nanoparticles derived from Sclerocarya birrea stem extract in forensic blood...

A key aspect of forensic investigation involves identifying and detecting body fluid stains, preserving them for subsequent deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction, and identifying the right criminals. This research details the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using the stem extract of Sclerocarya birrea and explores their potential use in blood detection. The Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) spectra revealed intense peaks corresponding to silver and gold from silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), respectively. The synthesis of nanoparticles was carried out using a green chemistry approach, utilising extracts from Sclerocarya birrea, as its compounds act as both reducing and stabilising agents, facilitating nanoparticle synthesis. Synthesised AgNPs and AuNPs served as enhancers, improving the efficacy of luminol for blood detection at crime scenes. The water extract of Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) was utilised as an alternative biosensor to luminol. Comparable results were observed with luminol and the Marula extract, indicating the Marula extract's potential as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient biosensor alternative. DNA analysis was conducted to investigate the potential impact of luminol, AgNPs, AuNPs, and Sclerocarya birrea extract on DNA integrity during forensic analysis. Results indicated that luminol-AgNPs, luminol-AuNPs, and Marula did not exhibit DNA degradation, whereas luminol alone resulted in a 90% degradation of DNA.