Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Plant Extracts: A UV-Vis Spectroscopy and TEM Study

Authors

Dr Seema Maheshwari

Abstract

The study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, exploring an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis methods. The primary objective was to synthesize AgNPs and characterize them using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to assess their structural and optical properties. The methodology involved an aqueous extraction of Moringa oleifera leaves, which was used to reduce silver nitrate (AgNO₃) to AgNPs. The formation of AgNPs was indicated by a color change and confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak around 420 nm in UV-Vis spectra. TEM analysis revealed spherical nanoparticles with an average size range of 14.8 to 16.1 nm, demonstrating a narrow size distribution. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant stability over 28 days, potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and high antioxidant activity, with an 85.1% inhibition in the DPPH radical scavenging assay at 50 µg/mL concentration. These findings highlight the dual functionality of the synthesized nanoparticles, making them suitable for applications requiring both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The research underscores the potential of Moringa oleifera in green nanotechnology, providing a sustainable method for producing biocompatible AgNPs with broad applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation.

Keywords

Green synthesis, Silver nanoparticles, Moringa oleifera, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Plant Extracts: A UV-Vis Spectroscopy and TEM Study. Dr Seema Maheshwari. 2021. IJIRCT, Volume 7, Issue 4. Pages 1-11. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2406043