Background:
Silver nanoparticles have a profound role in the field of high sensitivity
biomolecular detection, catalysis, biosensors and medicine. In the present study,
aqueous extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi has been used for the synthesis of silver
nanoparticles.
Objective:
In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant features and the possibility of biosynthesis
of AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi and also evaluated the
antibacterial activities of the synthesized nanoparticles.
Methods:
An eco-friendly and cost-effective protocol for the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by
utilizing a renewable natural resource, aqueous solution of Dracocephalum kotschyi, was
proposed. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM,
EDS, and XRD pattern.
Results:
At first, the extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi was assessed to determine and confirm
the presence of an antioxidant feature. Resuscitation of one mM silver nitrate solution
was carried out by the herbal extract. The solution containing AgNPs obtained from green
synthesis had a maximum optical density at 225 nm. In addition, the presence of AgNPs was
approved by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Images of the scanning electron
microscope demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs had the shape of rods and the size distribution
of 48-51 nm. One of the benefits of this method is a uniform size distribution.
Moreover, the effects of reaction time and concentration of the herbal extract were assessed
by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. In the end, we assessed the antibacterial impact
of the synthesized AgNPs against some pathogenic bacterial strains. According to the results,
the produced nanostructures had a proper impact on two bacteria of Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion:
According to the results of the present study, Dracocephalum kotschyi can be a
suitable compound for the synthesis of nanostructures due to its indigenous cultivation and
great medicinal properties.
