Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Methanolic Extracts of Freshwater Algal Species

Abstract

The present study was designed to find a simple and cost effective method of synthesis of silver nanoparticles with less cytotoxicity using the methanolic extract of algae Dictyosphaerium 6-8 and Chlorella vulgaris. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was first detected change on color of the reaction mixture. Further analysis via UV-Vis Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles which was indicated by maximum absorbance within 410-430 nm range. AFM and SEM study revealed the size range and morphology of the silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles synthesized from methanolic extract of Dictyosphaerium 6-8 had an average size of 25nm whereas silver nanoparticle synthesized from Chlorella vulgaris were of 46 nm average size. X-Ray Diffraction analysis showed that the silver nanoparticles synthesized from both algae were of crystalline nature. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was performed to detect the functional group present on the silver nanoparticles. Presences of alkenes, alkynes, amides, halides and aromatic were present on the surface of silver nanoparticles. MTT assay was run on three different cell lines to determine the cytotoxicity of the silver nanoparticles. The result show that silver nanoparticles synthesized from methanolic extract of Dictyosphaerium 6-8 and Chlorella Vulgaris had limited cytotoxic effect on cancerous cell lines Hep-2 and Huh-7 and had minimal cytotoxic effect on normal human cell line HCEC. The study concludes that silver nanoparticles synthesized from methanolic extract of Dictyosphaerium 6-8 and Chlorella Vulgaris are biocompatiable and can be used for medical application like drug delivery and gene therapy in cancer and normal cells.