Catharanthus roseus:a natural source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles

Objective:To develop a simple rapid procedure for bioreduction of silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)using aqueous leaves extracts of Catharanthus roseus(C.roseus).Methods:Characterization were determined by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction.Results:SEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 67 nm to 48 nm.X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry.Conclusions:C.roseus demonstrates strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions(Ag~+ to Ag~0).This study provides evidence for developing large scale commercial production of value-added products for biomedical/nanotechnology-based industries.