Abstract
This research focuses on the plant-mediated green synthesis process to produce gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using upland cress (Barbarea verna), as various biomolecules within the upland cress act as both reducing and capping agents. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, surface charge (zeta potential) analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated the synthesized Au NPs are spherical and well-dispersed with an average diameter ~11 nm and a characteristic absorbance peak at ~529 nm. EDX results showed an 11.13% gold content. Colloidal Au NP stability was confirmed with a zeta potential (ζ) value of −36.8 mV. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the production of crystalline face-centered cubic gold. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the Au NPs was evaluated using Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Bacillus megaterium. Results demonstrated concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties. Lastly, applications of the Au NPs in catalysis and biomedicine were evaluated. The catalytic activity of Au NPs was demonstrated through the conversion of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol which followed first-order kinetics. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated using both BMSCs (stem) and HeLa (cancer) cells and the results were cell type dependent. The synthesized Au NPs show great potential for various applications such as catalysis, pharmaceutics, and biomedicine.
Highlights
IntroductionSeveral traditional methods for the production of gold nanoparticles, including chemical and physiochemical methods, have been utilized for these purposes
Extracts used for green synthesis of Au NPs include Coffea arabica, Solanum nigrum, Nasturtium officinale, Brazilian red propolis, Litsea cubeba (May Chang), Chlorella vulgaris, Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema), and Ziziphus zizyphus (Jujube) [6,11,12,13,14,15]
Ascorbic acid contributes to high levels of antioxidant capacity of upland cress [19]
Summary
Several traditional methods for the production of gold nanoparticles, including chemical and physiochemical methods, have been utilized for these purposes Many of these pathways draw concern due to their adverse environmental impact, high cost and energy consumption, as well as the potentially limited applications of the produced nanoparticles. Biological and green synthesis methods utilize microorganisms as “biomachinery” or naturally occurring biomolecules from plant extract that serve as reducing and capping agents in a bottom-up synthesis approach [10]. This is advantageous over traditional methods as it provides versatile, biocompatible nanomaterials through an environmentally-conscious and cost-effective approach. Extracts used for green synthesis of Au NPs include Coffea arabica (coffee), Solanum nigrum (black nightshade), Nasturtium officinale (watercress), Brazilian red propolis (honeybee product), Litsea cubeba (May Chang), Chlorella vulgaris (algae), Mimosa tenuiflora (Jurema), and Ziziphus zizyphus (Jujube) [6,11,12,13,14,15]
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