Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Their Characterizations Using Plant Extract of Papaver somniferum

Nanotechnology has a vast range of applications in medicines, electronics, biomaterials and energy production. The present research work is eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using methanolic extract of Papaver somniferum. The appearance of deep purple color is the initial indication of gold nanoparticles synthesis. Papaver somniferum contains some active compounds which found to be responsible for the reduction of gold and convert it into a bioactive metal. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-Vis (UV-Vis spectrophotometer), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) FTIR. The UV spectra of gold nanoparticles showed absorbance band at 544 nm which is specific for gold. SEM analysis showed spherical morphology of synthesized AuNPs with average size of 77 nm. FTIR analysis showed the presence of various functional groups i.e. phenyl, ribose and amide which were responsible for the reduction and capping of AuNPs. The present work confirmed that Papaver somniferum already hold therapeutic promise and its conversion from extract to nanoparticles will be very helpful for medicinal application.