Mangrove-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles using native Avicennia marina plant extract from southern Iran

The development of eco-friendly and nontoxic processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles is one of the most important discussed issues in nanotechnology science. This study reports the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of leaf, stem, and root of Avicennia marina, the native and dominant mangrove plant in southern Iran. Among the different plant parts, the extract of leaves yielded the maximum synthesis of AgNPs. Synthesized AgNPs were investigated using UV–visible spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Absorption spectrum in 420?nm confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. TEM images revealed that the synthesized AgNPs had the same spherical morphology with a size range between 0 and 75?nm. The distribution size histogram indicated that the most frequent particles were in the range of 10–15?nm and the mean size of nanoparticles was 17.30?nm. The results of SEM image showed nanoparticles with a size range between 15 and 43?nm. XRD pattern indicated the crystalline nature of synthesized nanoparticles. EDS results confirmed the presence of elements like silver, carbon, chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen in the nanoparticles produced from leaf extract. Silver had the maximum percentage of formation, 51.6%. FTIR indicated the presence of different functional groups such as amines, alcohol, alkanes, phenol, alkyl halides, and aromatic loops in the synthesis process. Green biosynthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of native A. marina appears rapid, reliable, nontoxic, and eco-friendly.