Natural Synthesis of Nanoparticles using Flower Extract of Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq) Salisb and Evaluation of its Antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Abstract: The development of biologically synthesised nanoparticles using plant extracts plays an important role in the field of nanotechnology as it is eco-friendly and does not involve any harmful chemicals. The present study deals with green synthesis and characterization of Copper oxide and Iron oxide nanoparticles using Hymenocallis littoralis floral extract. To our knowledge, this is the first report where this flower extract was found to be a potential source for the green synthesis of copper oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles. Aqueous floral extract of fresh flowers of Hymenocallis littoralis were utilised for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The aqueous extract acts as both reducing and capping agent. The synthesised oxide nanoparticles of copper (CuONPs) and iron (IONPs) were confirmed by the change of colour after addition of floral extract into the precursors CuSO4.5H2O and FeCl3.6H2O salt solutions separately. The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM). The UV-VIS spectroscopy showed the absorption peaks at 300nm and 314nm for CuONPs and IONPs respectively. The SEM analysis confirmed the presence of CuONPs and IONPs nanoparticles and the average size of some selected particles ranged from 100nm-200nm. It was observed that the aqueous floral extract can reduce copper and iron ions into their oxide nanoparticles within a day. Following the synthesis and characterization, the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated. Thus, the method followed has the potential for simple, safe and stable biosynthesis of these nanoparticles.