Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using ethonolic leaf extract of Bacopa monnieri and UV irradiation

Here we report the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using UV irradiation and ethanolic leaf extract of Bacopa monnieri (BLE). The reducing and capping functions provided by BLE can replace synthetic reducing and stabilizing agents required for nanoparticle synthesis. UV-Visible spectra and TEM indicated the successful formation of AuNPs whose size ranged from 3-45 nm with a mean diameter of 11 nm. Selected-area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction studies revealed the crystalline nature of AuNPs. Fourier transform infra-red and thermo gravimetric analysis showed that the AuNPs were capped with bioactive molecules obtained from BLE and most likely contributes towards their nontoxic nature as revealed by cytotoxicity assays. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.