Biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles from Catharanthus roseus

Recently the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts has drawn the attention of researchers. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential of Catharanthusroseusfor the biological synthesis of iron nanoparticles and to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of the synthesized particles against the selected fungal strains. Biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles was performed through the n-hexane leaf extract of Catharanthusroseus. The structural properties of the synthesized nanoparticles (concentrations, 10%, 30%) were further investigated through UV-visible spectroscopy; particle size analyzer (PSA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results of the UV-Vis spectroscopy of the synthesized iron nanoparticles showed the absorption spectra of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), prominent peak at 260 nm corresponding to the absorption of iron nanoparticleswasobtained. Particles size analyzer revealed the average size of the iron nanoparticles that was calculated as 108 and 266 nm. Phenolics (OH group at 3350 cm-1) were observed as main bioactive phytochemical oftheplant extract that acted as capping agent in iron nanoparticles synthesis. Surface morphology using SEM revealed the aggregates of irregular shaped iron nanoparticles. The antifungal activity of these biosynthesized FeNPs against Aspergillus nidulansand Aspergillus terreuswas also evaluated, nanoparticles showed high activity against A. terreus.This study concludes that the biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles is a safe and economical approach.