Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extract obtained from Saussurea Amara L.

Abstract

Background: Cancer, especially liver cancer, is the second leading cause of death and morbidity among the population of Mongolia. In recent years, the development of bio-compatible, bio-safe, and ecologically friendly nanoparticles using medicinal plants with high therapeutic activity has become an urgent need for research in the field of nanotechnology. Therefore, we aimed to obtain an extract from Saussurrea amara L., to conduct a qualitative study and to synthesize silver nanoparticles based on the extract. Methods: Raw material of Saussurrea amara L. was used in the research. The aerial part of the medicinal plant was extracted by circulation, remaceration, and repercolation techniques with 70% ethanol and distilled water (1:10). The qualitative analysis of total flavonoids, which are biologically active substances of the extract, was determined by thin layer chromatography, and the quantitative content was determined by spectrophotometry. After preparation of alcoholic extract from raw materials of Saussurrea amara L., nanoparticles were synthesized using silver nitrate solution.

Results: The raw material of Saussurea amara L. was extracted by circulation method with 70% ethanol. A color change from light to deep brown color was observed when observing the synthesis of silver nanoparticles based on the extract of the medicinal plant. As assessed by spectral analysis, the light absorption value increases with increasing reaction time, indicating the formation of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles synthesized from Saussurrea amara L. extract had a size of 32.02 nm. Based on these results, we successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles from the medicinal plant extracts.

Conclusions: The results showed that the circulation method with 70% ethanol was more suitable for extracting the raw materials of Saussurrea amara L. The average size of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Saussurrea amara L. extract was detected around 32.02 nm.