Total Phenolic and Flavonoids Contents, Radical Scavenging Activity and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Laurus nobilis L. Leaves Aqueous Extract

In this project, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis L. leaves were evaluated by colorimetric methods. These natural products which are found in plants extracts, can be considered as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Regarding to high amounts of these compounds in the extract, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis L. leaves through a simple and eco-friendly route. Characterizations of nanoparticles were evaluated by using Ultra Violet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of nanoparticles and the average size of synthesized silver nanoparticles were found 19.65±13.49 (nm) by TEM analysis. Radical scavenging activity of the extract and silver nanoparticles were also evaluated by DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhedrazyl) assay. The extract showed the best results in comparison with silver nanoparticles and BHT (Butylated Hydroxyl Toluene) as a reference antioxidant.