Biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles by aqueous extract of Satureja intermedia C.A. Mey and the evaluation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity

Developing low cost and environmentally friendly methods for metallic nanoparticles is an increasing need. Using plants towards synthesis of nanoparticles are beneficial with the presence of bio-molecules in plants, which can act as capping/stabilizing and reducing agents. In the present attempt, we describe rapid biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Satureja intermedia C. A. Mey (Lamiaceae) aqueous extract. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the chemical groups in plant extract were detected by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The XRD study showed crystalline nature and face cubic center shape for nanoparticles. TEM study showed that the mean diameter and standard deviation for the silver nanoparticles were 29.29 ± 28.18 nm. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and radical scavenging activity of the aqueous extract and SNPs/extract mixture, were also evaluated in this study. It can be concluded that the aerial parts of S. intermedia is a good source of phenolic compounds, a potent antioxidant and a valuable choice for bio-reduction and biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles.