Increased demand of nanoparticles is proving to be of an economic importance. Various industries such as science, technology and medicine are finding new applications for these microscopic particles. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in particular have been proven to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can be used in the area of water treatment. Recent research for innovative uses of AgNPs discovered inhibitory functions towards HIV. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles uses the aqueous byproduct of the extraction of essential oils from Lantana rugosa (L. rugosa) in combination with the solid form of AgNO3 dissolved in water and determines their toxicity on brine shrimp. The plant material of L. rugosa was collected from the wild near the Faculty of Science parking area of Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha Campus, South Africa. The leaves and flowers were separated and hydrodistilled for three hours to collect its essential oil. The infusion method also was conducted to recover a special water and oil sample. AgNPs were synthesized under green chemistry standards in order to promote eco-friendly and cost efficient research. AgNPs were characterized using Ultra-Visible (UV/Vis) Spectroscopy, Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The TEM images showed that small monodispersed spherical particles and clustered rods were formed, which were made up of small spherical particles. Smaller AgNPs were produced at higher concentration of the water extract while both spherical and rod shaped was produced at lower concentration. The optical analysis also indicated the more time AgNPs had to synthesize the more defined they became. Cytotoxicity testing was carried out on brine shrimp to test the lethality of the AgNPs. The AgNPs produced by L. rugosa and its oil were toxic to brine shrimp in a concentration-dependent manner. Further research should be done to identify active compounds in the essential oils of L. rugosa.

Extraction of essential oils and synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Lantana rugosa

245th National Meeting (2013)

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