Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by using turmeric extract and chitosan mixture

This study aims to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via green-route reduction of silver nitrate as silver precursor as an alternative to chemical reduction process. With the presence of turmeric extract and chitosan mixture as reducing and stabilizing agent, different synthesis parameters influencing the formation of AgNPs were investigated. Under the optimum conditions (turmeric extract concentration: 10 %(w/v); silver nitrate concentration: 7 mM; volume ratio of turmeric extract to chitosan: 5:1 mL), the synthesized AgNPs were determined and characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The combination of turmeric extract and chitosan solution was successfully produced AgNPs after 24 h of reaction as indicated by gradual colour changes from colourless to greenish-brown colour. The UV–vis spectrum of AgNPs showed maximum absorbance at 428 nm. XRD pattern revealed the nanoparticles were face centered cubic shape with the average crystallite size of 12.4 nm. FESEM-EDX analysis observed that most of AgNPs produced were surrounded with organic components that may come from turmeric extract or chitosan molecules. EDX spectrum exhibit a strong signal peak of silver. FTIR analysis confirmed the role of turmeric extract and chitosan in formation of AgNPs. Overall, this green-route synthesis of AgNP is cost effective and environmental-friendly over the conventional pathway. The obtained AgNPs is expected to be a potential antimicrobial agent for various applications.