Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Plant Extract of Leucas aspera (Willd) Link and their Characterization

Objective: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized through the high-efficient, cost-effective green and facile process, using the Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link extract as a bio-reduction and capping agent at room temperature. Methods: The greenly synthesized AgNPs were subjected to UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) analyses. Results: The surface plasmon resonance found at 410 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. FTIR analysis was carried out to identify possible biomolecules responsible for the bio-reduction of silver ions. Furthermore, the crystallographic structure was confirmed by XRD and the average particle size of the synthesized silver nanoparticles was calculated which was found to be 36 nm. Conclusion: This study exhibits one step innovative green approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from L. aspera plant extract. The method stands out primarily because it is eco-friendly and advantageous over conventional physical and chemical methods.