Phycosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles produced by biological reduction method using Ulva reticulata Forssk

Abstract

The eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles through various biological means helps us to explore various marine macro algae for the ability to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It was found that aqueous silver ions when exposed to aqueous extract of Ulva reticulata Forssk are reduced in solution, thereby leading to the formation of the AgNPs within 15 min. These AgNPs were characterized by means of several techniques. The nanoparticles show absorbance at 400 to 450 nm on UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presence of proteins was identified by Fourier transform-infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The presence of elemental silver was characterized by XRD. The morphology of AgNPs was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The present analysis showed the presence and the size of the synthesized silver nanoparticles about 41-73 nm.