Biotechnology

Biography

Biography: Priti Malhotra

Abstract

In the recent past iron nanoparticles (FeNp) have been largely explored by researchers due to their wide range of applications in various fields. Owing to the high intrinsic reactivity of FeNp on their surface sites their catalytic potential is highly remarkable. A simple green mechanism has been employed for the synthesis of FeNp which is plant mediated and also cost effective. Previously FeNp were synthesized using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent which part from being costly was damaging the environment. Therefore, a green alternative method using plant abstracts was carried out to synthesize FeNp. The green methodology proved to be of great significance because of its non-toxic, bio-degradable and cost effective nature. The green extracts also act as dispersing and capping agents which lead to the synthesis of stable FeNp as they hamper the agglomeration and oxidation of zero valent FeNp. In comparison to the microorganisms, which are also used for the preparation of nanoparticles, the utilization of green extracts involves a simple procedure and is relatively reproducible. The size and reactivity of the synthesis of FeNps are majorly governed by factors including the nature of the reducing and capping agent i.e., the green extract. Beta vulgaris (Beet) is a plant whose root is a vegetable and is known as beet root and its extract acts as an excellent reducing agent due to its high sugar content. Thus beet root extract has been used to produce FeNp which have been characterized by FTIR and UV-visible spectral analysis.