Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract from Tabebuia roseoalba and T. pentaphylla

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles are nanostructures that can be applied to biotechnology because they present different biological activities. Among them, the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known to present antimicrobial activity allowing their application in several areas such as medicine and industry. The biological synthesis of AgNPs is ecologically correct and advantageous techniques. The objective of this work was to evaluate the synthesis of AgNps through the green synthesis using extracts of leaves of Tabebuia roseoalba and T. pentaphylla grown in vivo and in vitro. The nanoparticle synthesis solution was colorimetrically evaluated, and the nanoparticles were physically characterized. The results obtained demonstrate that both extracts of both Tabebuia species tested are able to synthesize AgNPs, however only when cultured under in vivo conditions. These data suggest that photosynthesis under natural conditions promotes the production of metabolites that are essential to green synthesis.