Biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles from Catharanthus roseus

Recently the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has drawn the attention of researchers. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential of Catharanthus roseus for the biological synthesis of iron nanoparticles and to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of the synthesized particles against the selected fungal strains. Biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles was performed through the n-hexane leaf extract of Catharanthus roseus. The structural properties of the synthesized nanoparticles (concentrations, 10%, 30%) were further investigated through UV-visible spectroscopy; particle size analyzer (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of the UV-Vis spectroscopy of the synthesized iron nanoparticles showed the absorption spectra of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), prominent peak at 260 nm corresponding to the absorption of iron nanoparticles was obtained. Particles size analyzer revealed the average size of the iron nanoparticles that was calculated as 108 and 266 nm. Phenolics (OH group at 3350 cm-1) were observed as main bioactive phytochemical of the plant extract that acted as capping agent in iron nanoparticles synthesis. Surface morphology using SEM revealed the aggregates of irregular shaped iron nanoparticles. The antifungal activity of these biosynthesized FeNPs against Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus terreus was also evaluated, nanoparticles showed high activity against A. terreus. This study concludes that the biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles is a safe and economical approach.