Abstract This study presents the green synthesis and comprehensive characterization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous extracts derived from Sorbus aucuparia L. (Rowan berries) harvested in Trabzon province, Türkiye. Initially, 100 g of the dried fruit material were thoroughly washed with deionized water to eliminate dust and surface contaminants and subsequently dried under appropriate conditions. The dried fruits were boiled in 500 mL of deionized water for 60 min to obtain the bioactive extract, which was then filtered using Whatman filter paper. Chloroauric acid trihydrate (HAuCl 4 ·3H 2 O, 99.9%) was used as the gold precursor at three different concentrations: 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM, and 0.3 mM. To each concentration, 0.3 mL or 0.5 mL of the fruit extract was added. The reaction mixtures were prepared by combining the extract and 70 mL of the HAuCl 4 solution and stirred gently to ensure uniform dispersion. Microwave-assisted synthesis was employed using a standard household microwave oven at power levels of 180 W, 360 W, and 600 W, for durations varying between 1 and 15 min. Each experimental condition was repeated in triplicate to ensure reproducibility and statistical reliability. Characterization of the resulting AuNPs was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and Zetasizer analysis. The optimal synthesis conditions were identified as 0.1 mM HAuCl 4 concentration with 0.3 mL of Sorbus aucuparia L. extract under 360 W microwave irradiation. UV–Vis analysis revealed a distinct surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak, confirming the successful formation of gold nanoparticles. TEM images showed that the AuNPs were predominantly spherical with a mean particle size of 17.750 ± 3.606 nm, ranging from 10.230 to 28.687 nm. The crystallite size calculated from XRD was approximately 12.38 nm. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated an average hydrodynamic diameter of 45.25 ± 7.9 nm in aqueous suspension. The zeta potential was measured at − 15.2 ± 7.49 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. The polydispersity index (PDI) was found to be 0.581, suggesting a moderately polydisperse system. The produced AuNPs remained stable without significant aggregation or precipitation for a period of 2–3 months when stored under ambient conditions.
SERDAR et al. (Mon,) studied this question.