Fulfillment of green chemistry for synthesis of silver nanoparticles using root and leaf extracts of Ferula persica: Solid-state route vs. solution-phase method

Development of an efficient, one-pot and green preparation method of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is considered in the current investigation. Aqueous extracts prepared from different parts of Ferula persica plant (i.e., root and leaf) could be employed successfully to fabricate Ag NPs, actually via two different bio-reduction approaches. Field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM) connected energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results evidently demonstrated the proficiency of solid-state route in the production of entirely pure and uniform Ag NPs (10-30 nm) with no aggregation using leaf part of the plant. Conversely, to fabricate Ag NPs using Ferula's root part, the solution-phase method was proposed as the best method of choice. In both methods, the efficiency of bio-reduction reaction in conjunction with the size and purity of produced Ag NPs could be controlled using adapting the weight ratios of plant extract/silver nitrate. Meanwhile, comparing to the chemically synthesized Ag NPs, the biogenic Ag NPs encompassed lower phytotoxicic effects on the germination percentage followed by shoot and root elongation of Matricaria chamomilla and Ocimum basilicum, could be accordingly nominated as an eco-friendly and more safe nano-material either in low- or high-AgNPs-demanded environments. The results, altogether, can open up a new avenue toward cleaner production of bio-compatible, pure and homogeneous Ag NPs with high throughput and low-cost and eventually a reliable way to acquire sustainable/green chemistry.