Optimizing the Production of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mimosa Diplotricha Leaf Extract

Abstract

Plant extracts are applicable over the other biological sources due to the availability and ability to act as stabilizing agent during the green nanoparticle synthesise. The present study evaluates the possibility of synthesising silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using plant leaf extracts of invasive weed Mimosa diplotricha. Biological and physical properties of synthesising Silver NPs were also evaluated using the UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To determine the best volume ratio of leaf extract, salt and temperature condition, an experiment was carried out 1:1 and 1:9 (V/V) ratios reacted with (2 mM) of Silver Nitrate under room temperature and 60-80 0C temperature condition. The colour-change conformed formation of Silver NPs. The broad peak obtained at 420-460 nm with UV–Vis surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed that the synthesised nanoparticles were Silver NPs. SEM microscopic studies revealed that spherical shape nanoparticles were formed with the average sizes 28.20 nm. This study shows that M. diplotricha mediated SNPs production is dependent on the concentration, incubation time and temperature of the reaction mixture. The best ratio of plant extract and AgNO3 is 1:1 to optimize the production of SNPs. The temperature range 60-80oC promotes higher SNPs production comparative to the room temperature. Green synthesised SNPs are poly-dispersed without forming agglomeration. Based on the observations, it is possible to conclude that M. diplotricha leaf extract is an effective source for SNPs production. This study is useful to optimize protocols for biological synthesis of SNPs using other plants.