Biogenic synthesis and characterization of sulphur nanoparticles (S-NPs) using different plant leaf extract

Abstract

The Present investigation entitled "Biogenic synthesis and characterization of sulphur nanoparticles using different plant leaf extracts," was conducted at the Biotechnology Center, Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, during Kharif 2023-2024. Using aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Catharanthus roseus (Vinca), Mangifera indica (Mango), and Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka) the study sought to create a sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly method for the manufacture of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs). A light-yellow powder of nanoparticles was created by using sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) as the sulfur precursor and hydrochloric acid (HCl) as the reducing and acidifying agent. Depending on the plant extract utilized, the biosynthesized SNPs' surface charge and particle size varied significantly. The particle size obtained were 86.2 nm for Neem, 98.69 nm for Vinca, 126.9 nm for Mango, and 187.3 nm for Ashoka extracts. These differences are attributed to variations in the phytochemical composition, including phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which influence the reduction rate and stabilization efficiency during nanoparticle formation. Neem and vinca extracts produced smaller nanoparticles, indicating higher reducing and capping capacities of their bioactive compounds. Zeta potential analysis confirmed that all synthesized SNPs were negatively charged, reflecting good colloidal stability. The respective zeta potential values were-21.8 mV (neem),-19.2 mV (vinca),-16.8 mV (mango) and-14.3 mV (ashoka) with neem-based SNPs exhibiting the greatest stability. Overall, the study shows that a straightforward, environmentally friendly, and effective way to create stable sulphur nanoparticles is by biogenic synthesis utilizing plant extracts. Azadirachta indica was the most successful of all the plants studied it produced smaller, more stable nanoparticles that showed promise for use in nanobiotechnology and agriculture.