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Microwave-assisted gold nanoparticle biosynthesis – A clean-green technology

In the new venture of green chemical technology Indian scientists discovered that the gold nanoparticles may be biosynthesized in next to no time. They have used microwave-assisted anti-malignant plant leaf of guava (Psidium guajava) for the biosynthesis of stable polyshaped gold nanoparticles.

The method offers an excellent reproducibility and avoids all the tedious process involved with synthesis of nanoparticles using micro-organisms.

In this research work, twenty five different anti-malignant plants are screened, including the popular anti-malignant Vinca (Vinca rosea) plant. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaf, which is also known for its anti-malignant effects, was selected after confirming its potentiality for further preparation of extract, synthesis of AuNP, and for screening. Studies shows that the bio-functionalized gold nanoparticles colloidal solution obtained as above will maintain its stability even after 30 weeks of storage.

The rate of synthesis of AuNP from microwave-exposed guava leaf extract is compared to those of chemical and physical methods, and it is noted that this has an excellent time-related advantage over benign and conventional method of metal nanoparticle synthesis from microorganisms and other plants.

This field of gold nanoparticle biosynthesis is leading to new avenues in material science, chemistry, nanobiotechnology and biotechnology. They express that it would be significant if we understand the clear mechanism of biosynthesis and technologically engineer the nanoparticles in order to achieve better control over size, shape, and absolute monodespersivity. The studies are underway.

Source: 1. D Raghunandan et al. “Biosynthesis of Stable Polyshaped Gold Nanoparticles from Microwave-Exposed Aqueous Extracellular Anti-malignant Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaf Extract Nanobiotechnology” DOI 10.1007/s12030-009-9030-8

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