Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part L (2016)

Abstract
Nanoparticles are of great importance as antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer agents. Available common chemical methods of synthesizing nanoparticles are complicated and not environmentally friendly. However, synthesis using plant extracts is easy, prompt and safe for the environment. Plants are suitable materials due to the presence of various secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, tannins and antioxidants which act as strong reducing and capping agents. We have been trying several medicinally important plants for synthesizing nanoparticles of silver and gold. In this study we have used various parts of Punica granatum plant such as young leaves and fruit as well as juicy seeds. This plant belongs to the family Punicaceae and possesses several medicinal properties. The aqueous extract of juicy seeds (here after referred to as seeds) was prepared and added to the 2% aqueous solution of HAuCl4 for about 15 minutes with vigorous shaking. The color of the solution changed from yellowish red to dark red indicating the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Various techniques were applied to characterize the synthesis of AuNPs such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy, HRTEM and XRD.