Leaf Mediated <i>Curcuma sp.</i> Silver Nanoparticles as Catalyst - Evaluating Their Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, Para-Nitrophenol Catalytic and Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a fast-rising market in catalytic research; however, the production of eco-friendly nanoparticles remains a significant challenge. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the agro-industrial waste of leaves of <em>C. longa, C. aromatica, C. caesia, C. zedoaria, </em>and <em>C. amada </em>at RT after 24 h, which was confirmed with UV-spectrophotometric evaluation between 320-520 nm. SEM revealed cubic and 30-50 nm AgNPs, while band-gap energy was presented as semi-conductors. Synthesized AgNPs were experimented for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, PNP-catalytic, and photocatalytic activity. The antioxidant assays were determined for WEs and AgNPs. The AgNPs revealed higher TFC, TPC, and TAC than WEs. Cytotoxicity of AgNPs was assessed with the viability of <em>Artemia salina </em>and approved to be non-toxic<em>. </em>PNP catalysis was executed with 4000 ppm AgNPs, and remarkable PNP degradation was obtained within 30 minutes. Photocatalytic ability of 4000 ppm and 266.67 ppm AgNPs were tested to degrade methyl-orange, and a rapid degradation was observed with NaBH<sub>4</sub>. Results of these assays reveal that synthesized AgNPs are potential candidates for integration into the manufacturing of catalytic and photocatalytic agents; thereby, these AgNPs can improve the quality of life by providing cleaner environments for organisms.