Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Achillea eriophora DC. extract

Nanoparticles have a wide range of applications due to their unique biological and physicochemical properties. Among metal nanoparticles, the silver nanoparticles are of special importance due to their wide application. Although there are several chemical and physical methods for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, biological methods are more suitable due to their time and low energy, non-use of toxic solvents and biocompatibility. In this study, aqueous extract of dried flowers of Achillea eriophora (Shirazi yarrow) was used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The reaction was performed at room temperature and showed a change in color from pale yellow to dark brown to form silver nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle sizing (PSA) were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the formed nanoparticles. The presence of an absorption peak at a wavelength of about 450 nm confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. SEM results showed that, the shape of particles was spherical and their particle size ranges were from 38 to 144 nm. FTIR results also showed the role of reducing groups on the surface of nanoparticles. The results of PSA showed that the particles have low polydispersity and the extract is desirable for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Based on these results, it can be said that the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Shirazi yarrow extract is a simple, fast, non-toxic and biocompatible method and can be used in food, medicine and agriculture.