Production and characterization of spherical thermostable silver nanoparticles from Spirulina platensis (Cyanophyceae)

Biological production of silver nanoparticles (SNP) has recently received considerable attention because of their therapeutic applications. The present study reports the production and characterization of spherical-thermostable SNP from Spirulina platensis. Wet biomass harvested from optimized logarithmic-phase culture was used for production of SNP in 1, 3, or 5 mM silver nitrate solution. Formation and concentration of spherical SNP was highest when S. platensis was treated with 3 mM silver nitrate. Fourier transform infrared spectra of SNP indicate that vanillin, coumarins, tannins, amide, and glycogen may act as stabilizing agents for bioreduction. The crystalline nature of the produced SNP was evidenced from X-ray diffractometer analysis. Weight loss of SNP occurred at 210 degrees C, 310 degrees C, and 510 degrees C as shown by thermogravimetric analysis. This study shows that S. platensis may be used as an efficient tool for production of spherical, crystalline, and thermostable SNP.