Abstract

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using plants and their application in the field of medicine and agriculture has gained compliance in this decade. According to earlier research records the plant mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have also shown dye degradation and catalytic property in addition to antimicrobial, anticancer and antipest activities. The present study aims at synthesis of AgNPs using the aqueous leaf extracts of Cascabela thevetia and Wrightia tomentosa as well as whole plant aqueous extract of Stemona tuberosa Lour in individual reactions. The synthesized AgNPs were turned in to deep reddish brown after 48hrs incubation. Synthesis of AgNPs of all the three plants were conformed in UV analysis with the absorbance recorded at 436.09nm, 440.05nm and 435.04nm for C. thevetia, W. tomentosa and S. tuberosa Lour. Characterization of the AgNPs was carried out by Transmission electron microscope and Dynamic light scattering particle size analyser. Transmission electron microscopic images revealed that the AgNPs of all the plants were almost spherical in shape with varied sizes. In addition the AgNPs of three plants were screened for catalytic dye reduction activity and removal using 0.1mM methylene blue. The AgNPs of all three plants showed catalytic dye reduction activity and but AgNPs of S. tuberosa Lour have exhibited greater activity than to AgNPs of C. thevetia and W. tomentosa.

Key words: AgNPs, Dynamic light scattering, Catalytic activity, Methylene blue, Stemona tuberosa Lour