Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Waste Tea Leaves

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has gained momentum since the demand to synthesize nanoparticles in an eco-friendly way has increased significantly. Here we report, economic and cost-effective biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using waste tea leaves. Standardization studies were done to assess the optimum synthesis condition for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The optimum conditions were found to be pH 6, ambient room temperature or ambient temp conditions and 5mM AgNO₃ concentration. Characterization studies using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, TEM and AFM analysis show nanoscale range of the particles. The silver nanoparticles showed maximum antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia followed by E. coli and minimum activity against C. diptheriae. The nanoparticles showed significant effect on the growth of Vigna radiata seeds at 50% concentration of nanoparticles. The particles impregnated on cotton cloth showed antibacterial activity against Gram positive organisms. Dye degradation studies showed that the nanoparticles are able to degrade phenol red and blue textile dye effectively.