Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Mentha arvensis Leaf Extract

ABSTRACT

Here we report the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using ethanolic extract of Mentha arvensis leaves, an edible plant used as a condiment and traditional medicine in India. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of gold nanoparticle. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) formed were hexagonal and nearly spherical in shape with an average size of 39 ± 15 nm and were stable even after 6 weeks of storage at room temperature. The crystalline nature of gold nanoparticles was confirmed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In addition to gold, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) showed the presence of carbon and oxygen elements. The evidence from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and EDX suggested that flavonoids and phenol compounds were involved in reduction and stability of GNPs synthesized using Mentha arvensis.

KEYWORDS:

• Mentha arvensis
• nanostructure
• crystal growth
• X-ray diffraction
• flavonoids
• optical properties

We thank the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for funding this work (Project No. SR/FT/L-78/2006). PJB thanks MHRD for a research fellowship.