Investigating the Effect of Different Algae on the Production of Silver Nanoparticles
Subject Areas : NanoAida Gifani 1 * , Samira Shafagh mehr 2
1 - Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Algae, Biosynthesis, Experimental design,
Abstract :
Along with the efficient antibacterial property of silver nanoparticles, algae, due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and low cost, is taken into consideration for synthesis of nanoparticles as reducing agent. This study focuses on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle using different species of algae (Nannochloropsis, Chlorella, Scenedesmus). The effect of some variables including concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO3), type of algae and harvesting time, were studied at three levels, via experimental design using response surface method, central composite design. The designed method resulted in 20 different experiments with the response factor of silver nanoparticle concentration. The results illustrate that Chlorella demonstrates the highest nanoparticle concentration at extended harvesting times, whereas Nannochloropsis exhibits the lowest nanoparticle concentration at shorter harvesting times. The synthesized silver nanoparticles appear spherical through the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Nanoparticles using Chlorella algae appear smaller with the mass formation, which may contribute, to their aggregation. The aggregation behavior of the silver nanoparticles synthesized with Chlorella Vulgaris can be attributed to the absence of sufficient stabilizers in the external solution, which is due to the inability of Chlorella to secrete stabilizing agents. The Fourier Transmittance Infrared Spectrum verified the presence of algae ingredients, which were responsible for the reduction of the silver ions and synthesis of the silver nanoparticles.