Redox properties and temperature dependence of silver nanoparticles synthesized using pasteurized cow and goat milk

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have a variety of applications in different fields. Green method of NP synthesis is an exciting field and recently has gained more attention. In many green methods, plant extracts are used, and in a few studies, animal milk has been used to synthesize metal NPs. Many studies have aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) for agricultural use, however, there are many other applications where green NPs can be used. In this work, we examined the electrochemical behavior of Ag NPs synthesized using cow and goat milk at two different temperatures. Synthesized NPs at temperatures of 25 and 37°C were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red measurements, dynamic light scattering measurements, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed using two buffer systems: the phosphate, and Tris-HCl, at pH = 7.4. The results showed that the average size of Ag NPs made using goat milk does not change significantly with temperature compared to Ag NPs made using cow milk. Here we demonstrate that Ag NPs synthesized display redox properties that have potential to use in applications relevant to other fields such as biosensing, electrocatalysis, and nanoelectronics.