Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Tinospora cordifolia mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticle at room temperature and to study the properties of the nanoparticles thus produced. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized and investigated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy spectrophotometry, high-performance thin-layer chromatography screening, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, in vitro cytotoxicity test and antioxidant activity. Ultraviolet-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing, gold nanoparticles showed a peak at 546 nm. The hexagonal shaped nanoparticles were well dispersed with particle size ranging from 30-60 nm, that were confirmed by transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope respectively. Fourier transform infrared showed shift in position and intensity of the peaks. High-performance thin-layer chromatography screening showed that even after forming gold nanoparticles, it retains most of its phytochemical constituents. In vitro stability studies have confirmed that gold nanoparticles are stable in biological fluids at physiological pH and also in salt solutions. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed crystalline nature of the synthesized nanoparticles. Zeta potential value of the synthesized gold nanoparticles is -29 mV at 25° showing good stability of nanoparticles. From in vitro cytotoxicity test it is seen that gold nanoparticles formed are biocompatible. In vitro antioxidant study showed that 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl activity increased in a dose dependent manner. The potential of this biosynthesized nanoparticles for the development of value-added products can be used to a good advantage in drug delivery.