Synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by alpha amylase and their application in the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

摘要

Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver between 1 nm and 100 nm in size. Silver nanoparticles have an extensive range of applications in a variety of fields including biological research, medicine, chemical catalysis, textile industry etc. They are also used in the comprehensive treatment of environments containing infectious pathogens owing to its unique properties of high antimicrobial activity. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles is carried out by many methods including chemical, physical, photochemical and biological methods. Conventionally, chemical methods are used but due to their hazardous nature, other approaches are being investigated. Recently, green biosynthesis methods have garnered wide attention due to its relative simplicity and eco-friendliness. The present research work summarizes a green approach towards the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using alpha amylase. The color of the solution turned from colorless to light brown within 12 hours indicating silver nanoparticle formation. The preliminary characterization was done by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Photo catalytic degradation of organic dyes methylene blue and methyl orange were determined spectrophotometrically by using silver as nanocatalyst. The conclusion was drawn that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using alpha amylase were found to be notable in degrading the dyes.