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Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Natural Dyes of Cochineal

Abstract:

Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) has been used all over the world since ancient times as a colorant. In this study, non-toxic cochineal dye was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs show the presence of a surface plasmon band at 440–460 nm. Dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy indicated the formation of spherical AgNPs of diameter ranging from 20–50 nm. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the face centered cubic geometry of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs, also showed the photocatalytic degradation activity of methylene blue dye (>75 %) under direct solar light irradiation. The experimental approach is simple, cost-effective, easily reproducible at room temperature without any pollutant contribution and opens new compatibility for future pharmaceutical/biomedical applications.