Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of withania somnifera

Today, nanosilver is one of the most commercialized nanomaterials. The demand for synthesis of Nanosilver through biocompatible routs due to wide biomedical application has increased. Use of plants and plant products as sustainable and renewable resources in the synthesis of nanoparticles is more advantageous over other biological routes. In this study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of Withania somnifera as reducing agent is reported. Effect of parameters such as AgNO3 concentration, aqueous extract, pH and formation time were investigated and optimized by UV-visible spectroscopy in the synthesis of nanoparticles. At room temperature, the solution color started to change from pale yellow to dark brown due to the reduction of silver ion. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied for size and morphological analysis of nanoparticles. TEM result shows a spherical structure with an average size ranging from 24-35 nm for silver nanoparticles.