01/24/2022
Obtain seven metal nanoparticles using strawberry leaves
RUDN University biologists have proposed a safe and environmentally friendly way to obtain seven types of metal nanoparticles that are necessary for medicine and agriculture. This does not require expensive and toxic chemicals or expensive equipment - the synthesis takes place using an extract from the leaves of Fragaria ananassa.
Metal nanoparticles are used in medicine, cosmetology, electronics and agriculture. Usually, they are obtained either physically or chemically. In the first case, expensive equipment and a lot of energy are required, in the second-expensive and toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop new methods that will avoid these problems - for example, a biological method. RUDN biologists have proposed an eco-friendly and safe method for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles from strawberry leaves.
Biologists have created 7 types of nanoparticles - silver, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium oxide and two types of particles with zinc oxide. To do this, scientists used metal salts and strawberry leaf extract. The extract contains minerals which support biochemical reactions of biomolecules with metal salts forming nanoparticles. To comply with the "green" protocol, the RUDN University biologists did not use any additional chemicals during extraction.
After adding metal salt to the extract, it was mixed, heated, washed, and centrifuged. After drying it out, scientists obtained a precipitate and ground it getting the nanoparticles. The specific conditions of this process depended on the desired type of nanoparticles. For example, to obtain zinc nanoparticles, biologists used zinc acetate. It was added to strawberry extract and heated to 90 ° C, then centrifuged for 25 minutes at 10,000 rpm.
RUDN University biologists studied the obtained particles using ultraviolet spectroscopy, determined their size, shape, structure and uniformity using a scanning electron microscope. The results confirmed the composition and nanostructure of the particles. According to biologists, "green" synthesis makes it possible to use such nanoparticles in medicine and agriculture - for example, to fight bacteria and fungi, as well as to improve plant growth.
Source: RUDN University