Biosynthesis, Characterisation, and Antioxidant Activity of Silver Nanoparticles using Schinus molle L.

Abstract

Schinus molle L. has been used as a folk medicine for many years. The aim of this study is to synthesize the silver nanoparticles, to identify them by spectroscopic techniques and to evaluate the antioxidant effects. In this study, Schinus molle was extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol successively. After removal of the solvent from each extract by reduced pressure, the crude extracts were yielded. Methanol extract was used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (s-AgNPs). The methanol extract dissolved in distilled water was treated with silver nitrate solution to produce the s-AgNPs. The extensive spectroscopic study enabled the identification of synthesized s-AgNPs. UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis presented the maximum absorption of s-AgNPs at 486 nm. The average particle size of s-AgNPs was measured as 77.6 nm by Scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that the nanoparticles were face-centered cubic structure. The slight differences between extract and AgNPs in FTIR spectrum proved the formation of s-AgNPs. In that, some functional group such as hydroxyl in the extract was oxidized while reduction of silver ions. Elemental analysis displayed the silver percentage to be 75.79 %w/w. Antioxidant activity study including DPPH, ABTS•+ and FRAP assays displayed the considerable effect of s-AgNPs. This is the first report to present the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Schinus molle L. methanol extract and to evaluate the antioxidant activity.