Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Persian Clover Seed Extracts

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles is very valuable due to its numerous applications in detection of pathogens, cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery. In this study, the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Persian clover seed extract as a natural source of both reducing and stabilizing agents, was investigated.
Change of the color of clover seed extract immediately after treatment with hydrogen gold tetrachloride showed the first visible sign of the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterizeed using UV visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron imaging (TEM).
The broad and strong peak of UV visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 534 nm indicated the formation of gold nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of crystalline structure of gold nanoparticles. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the involvement of aromatic, amine, and carboxyl groups exist in Persian clover seed extract in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Transmission electron image identified the formation of spherical nanoparticles with a size range of 1-30nm and with the most frequency in size of 20-25nm. Synthesized gold nanoparticles remained stable in vitro for up to 2 months with no sediment production or reduction in the frequency of gold nanoparticles.
With respect to the results of this study, biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles was very low-cost and without need of energy. The synthesized gold nanoparticles can be used in researches on detection of pathogens, cancer therapy, and targeted drug delivery.