Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles using Plumbago Auriculata Lam. Floral Extract and Study of its Antimicrobial Effects

Abstract

Abstract: Nanoparticles can be synthesised in an easy and eco-friendly methods using plant extracts. The present study deals with green synthesis and characterization of Copper oxide and Iron oxide nanoparticles using Plumbago auriculata floral extract. In this report, aqueous phase green synthesis of specifically copper oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles utilising the floral parts of this plant is elucidated for the first time. Aqueous floral extract of fresh flowers were utilised for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The aqueous extract acts as both reducing and capping agent. The synthesised oxide nanoparticles of copper and iron were confirmed by the change of colour after addition of floral extracts into CuSO4.5H2O and FeCl3.6H2O solutions respectively. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM). The UV/VIS spectroscopy showed the absorption peaks at 346nm and 348nm for Copper oxide and Iron Oxide nanoparticles prepared respectively. CuONPs and IONPs nanoparticles were validated by the SEM analysis and the average size of certain selected particles ranged from 120nm to 200nm. It was observed that the aqueous floral extract can reduce copper and iron ions into oxide nanoparticles within a day. Thus, nanoparticles can be synthesised in a sustainable and nontoxic manner by this method