Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Synthesized Using the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Calotropis procera: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Plant mediated synthesis of nanoparticles have been considered as green route and a reliable technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles due to its eco-friendly approach. This research evaluated the characterization and antioxidant potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Calotropis procera. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using different concentrations of the extract ranging from (1-5mg/ml) with 10ml silver nitrate solution. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The silver nanoparticles was characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP), Reducing power and ABTS Assays. FTIR revealed the biological macromolecules of Calotropis procera aqueous leaf extract involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. UV-Visible spectrophotometer showed absorbance peak in the range of 436-446 nm. The synthesized AgNPs significantly exhibited increased free radical scavenging activity although lesser when compared with vitamin C and Butylated Hydroxyl Toluene (BHT) which were used as standards. In conclusion, the synthesized silver nanoparticles using Calotropis procera aqueous extract possess antioxidant activity due to the presence of bioactive molecules on the surface of the silver nanoparticles which could be useful in various bio-applications such as cosmetics, food, and biomedical industry.