Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Phytoplankton and its characteristics

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using microalgae is environmentally benign and emerging technique. In the present investigation, the extracts of green microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and the diatom, Chaetoceros calcitrans were examined for synthesis of SNPs. The absorbance spectrum of aqueous medium containing SNPs showed a peak at 436 and 420 nm by C. vulgaris and C. calcitrans respectively. The shape and size of SNPs were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The spherical shaped SNPs were observed and their size was ranged from 50-70 nm and 30-35 nm from the extracts of C. vulgaris and C. calcitrans respectively. To identify the possible biomolecule responsible for the reduction of Ag+ ions to SNPs, the Fourier Transform Infrared Resonance (FTIR) measurements were investigated that the functional groups like Amines, Phenols and Alcohols, Ethers and Aromatic rings were found to be responsible for the reduction of silver ion to SNPs. From the results of the present study showed that the green microalgae and diatom could be employed for the green synthesis of nanoparticles and also suggested that the algal biomass can be produced using wastewater in order to treat various wastewaters.