Biomimetic synthesis, characterization and mechanism of formation of stable silver nanoparticles using Averrhoa carambola L. leaf extract

• Published in: Materials letters 2015-12, Vol.160, p.566-571
• Main Authors: Manjari Mishra, Pravat, Kumar Sahoo, Santosh, Kumar Naik, Gautam, Parida, Kulamani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Averrhoa carambola L; Biomimetics; Biomolecules; Formations; Nanoparticles; Particle size; Reaction kinetics; Reducing agent; Silver; Silver nanoparticles; Stabilizing agent; Synthesis
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2015.08.048

Stable silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are synthesized using aqueous leaf extract (both dry and fresh leaf) of Averrhoa carambola L. The biomolecules present in the leaf extract played the role of reducing as well as stabilizing agents in making and stabilising silver nanoparticles which has been explained through mechanisms on the basis of results obtained from UV–vis analysis, FT-IR analysis, zeta potential, particle size analysis, DLS, TEM and reaction kinetics studies. The effect of process variables on the yield, particle size, shape, kinetics of formation and stability of nanoparticles was studied. The novelty of this present study is the synthesis of very stable SNPs in aqueous phase by a single step reaction at room temperature without using any external stabilizing agent and reducing agent which is not possible by the existing protocols. Study of the mechanism of formation and stabilization of SNPs by biomolecules of A. carambola L. yet is another important aspect of this work. This developed eco-friendly method for synthesis of SNPs could prove a better substitute for the existing protocols and thus can be an efficient alternative for the large scale synthesis of SNPs Stable silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Averrhoa carambola L. leaf extract. The role of biomolecules as reducing as well as capping agent in synthesis of silver nanoparticle is explained through possible biological mechanisms and processes at different reaction parameters. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles using leaf extact of Averrhoa carambola L.•Effect of process variables on synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles.•Biomolecules of Averrhoa carambola L. leaves act as reducing and capping reagents.•Study of biological mechanisms involved in synthesis of AgNPs by green method.