Green Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Noble Metal Nanoparticles Using Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill Leaf Extract

In this study, we introduce a facile, green, one-pot and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using microwave-assisted strategy. The aqueous leaf extract of a medicinal plant Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill was used as both stabilizing and reducing agents for this preparation. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and XRD, TEM and EDAX analyses. The silver and gold nanoparticles respectively show SPR band at 441 and 539 nm in UV-vis spectrum. The involvement of phytochemicals in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The crystalline fcc structure of nanoparticles was assured from XRD analysis. The size and morphology of nanoparticles were obtained from the TEM images. The presences of silver and gold elements were confirmed from their respective EDAX spectrum. The antimicrobial effects of leaf extract and synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles were tested against both bacterial and fungal strains by employing agar well diffusion method. The nanoparticles show high antimicrobial properties. The antioxidant properties were studied by simple DPPH assay. The nanoparticles exhibited better DPPH scavenging activities compared to leaf extract. In addition, it has been shown that the synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles functioned as an effective catalyst for the reduction dyes viz. 4- nitrophenol, methylene blue and Congo red by sodium borohydride.