Synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing fish processing discard: an eco-amenable approach

Abstract

In this study, a novel technique of utilizing effectively the discarded fish gut of Lobeo rohita is reported with a conviction that dead animals and their tissue and/or organ wastes too can participate in nanoparticle synthesis. This may help in controlling the environmental pollution and subsequently different diseases. A very simple environment-friendly protocol, employing the broth of discarded fish guts, yielded silver nanoparticles. X-ray, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses are performed to ascertain the formation of silver nanoparticles. Individual nanoparticles as well as a few aggregates having the size of 8–40 nm are found. UV–visible spectroscopy study revealed the surface plasmon resonance at 418 nm. A possible involved mechanism for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles has also been proposed.

Keywords:

• nanosilver
• nanomaterials
• waste minimization
• green approach
• biosynthesis
• bionanotechnology