Characterization of gold nanoparticles synthesized from Solanum torvum (Turkey Berry) fruit extract and its application in catalytic degradation of methylene blue and antibacterial properties

Abstract

Contamination of water resources by various pollutants like organic dyes, pesticides, organometallic compounds, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of various micro-organisms against different antibiotics, drugs are two of the major challenges the world is facing today. Various physical and chemical techniques like sedimentation, oxidation, adsorption, etc. have been used for decontamination of water but these processes are costly, energy consuming and require chemicals. Green synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) because of their large surface area, unique optical and electronic properties, simple synthesis procedure and ability to absorb a broad range of wavelength can provide a way forward. Another important feature of these nanoparticles (NPs) is their antimicrobial behaviour against pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, AuNPs were biosynthesized using Solanum torvum extract (ST extract) and various parameters like shape, size and stability were characterized via Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential techniques. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) studies specify the presence of –OH functional groups as capping agents in the plant mediated synthesis. The Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the occurrence of elemental gold signals. The green synthesized AuNPs had predominantly spherical shape, high stability with different kinds of organic molecules bound to its surface. The gold nano-spheroids displayed efficient catalytic potential in the reduction of Methylene Blue dye along with an enhanced performance against bacterial microorganisms.