Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Cod Liver Oil (Fish Oil): Green Approach to Nanotechnology

Because cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement and has medicinal value, the presence of permissible limit of silver nanoparticles may enhance its efficacy—an idea that might open many avenues in the field of nanobiotechnology. Keeping the above in mind, the reaction between silver salts and cod liver oil for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is described herein. Presence of carboxylate ions and amine groups in fish oil facilitates in an in situ generation of organically capped silver nanoparticles. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at ∼433–436 nm from the reaction of silver nitrate can be altered to about 484 nm by the use of silver myristate. Broadened x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, which is indicative of small particles, confirms the fcc crystal structure of silver. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis shows spherical particle in the range of about 5–10 nm. The present method highlights a environmentally friendly green approach for synthesis with the dual role of cod liver oil, i.e., of a reducing agent as well as that of a surfactant.