Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Zingiber officinale Extract and Study of its Blood Compatibility

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with small size and high stability is particularly beneficial in various biomedical applications. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the addition of different reducing agents and stabilizing agents has been reported by several researchers. Stability under physiological conditions and blood compatibility are serious issues when silver colloids are used as therapeutic agents in clinical medicine from the safety point of view, particularly, when silver nanoparticles are reported to be translocated in to the systemic circulation. In the present study, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles, with a particle size ranging from 6 to 20 nm, by a green synthesis method using Zingiber officinale extract which acts as reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The size distribution and formation of silver nanoparticles were confirmed by dynamic light scattering, UV-visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy. These nanoparticles were also extremely stable at physiological condition and were blood compatible. Z. officinale is reported to be a more potent antiplatelet agent than aspirin. Its use as vectors for applications in drug delivery, gene delivery or as biosensors, where a direct contact with blood occurs is justified by the present study.