Elsevier

Process Biochemistry

Volume 46, Issue 10, October 2011, Pages 2007-2013
Process Biochemistry

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles with Zingiber officinale extract: Characterization and blood compatibility

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2011.07.011Get rights and content

Abstract

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles with small size and biostability is very important and used in various biomedical applications. There are lot of reports for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles by the addition of reducing agent and stabilizing agent. In the present study we have synthesized gold nanoparticles, with a particle size ranging from 5 to 15 nm, using Zingiber officinale extract which acts both as reducing and stabilizing agent. Z. officinale extract is reported to be a more potent anti-platelet agent than aspirin. Therefore, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles with Z. officinale extract, as an alternative to chemical synthesis, is beneficial from its biological and medical applications point of view, because of its good blood biocompatibility and physiological stability. The formation and size distribution of gold nanoparticles were confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–vis spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Gold nanoparticles synthesized using citrate and Z. officinale extract demonstrated very low protein adsorption. Both nanoparticles were non platelet activating and non complement activating on contact with whole human blood. They also did not aggregate other blood cells, however, nanoparticles synthesised with Z. officinale extract was highly stable at physiological condition compared to citrate capped nanoparticles, which aggregated. Thus the usage of nanoparticles, synthesized with Z. officinale extract, as vectors for the applications in drug delivery, gene delivery or as biosensors, where a direct contact with blood occurs is justified.

Introduction

Utilizing plant extracts for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles has gained importance in recent years due to the enhancement of chemical, physical, biological and optoelectronic properties of the particles formed by this green process. Metal and semiconductor nanoparticles are very important due to their unusual size and shape dependant properties [1] and are found to have potential applications in biological and chemical sensing of single molecules [2], controlled release of biologically relevant molecules [3], catalysis [4] and immunoassays [5]. Gold nanoparticles have been considered as important area of research due to their unique and intense plasmon resonance in the visible range and their application in biomedical sciences [6]. Metal nanoparticles are attractive due to their easy synthesis, modification as well as their size, shape, distribution which are properties dependent. Different synthesis methods have been reported for gold nanoparticles particularly by stabilizing with proteins, peptides, DNA and chemical/biological polymers [2] apart from the conventional citrate capping method. The reducing and stabilizing action of the reagents in aqueous phase of the system is critical for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles.

With these varied applications, gold nanoparticles are considered to be real jewels. The significant growth of their application for labeling, delivery, heating and sensing shows their significance in biology and/or life sciences. In recent years, plant mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles is gaining importance due to its simplicity and eco-friendliness. Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by plants such as lemongrass [7], Aloe vera [8], alfalfa [9], neem [10], tamarind [11], Cinnamomum camphora [12], Emblica officianalis [13], Mangifera indica leaf [14], Hibiscus rosa sinensis [15], Murraya koenigii leaf [16] and Ocimum sanctum [17] have been reported. However, ionic forms of gold have been shown to have cytotoxicity on various cell types and adverse effects on red blood cells [18]. Also it has been reported that the conventionally synthesized gold nanoparticles i.e. citrate capped gold nanoparticles aggregated in physiological conditions hindering its in vivo applications [19], [20]. Therefore, an attempt has been made for green synthesis of gold nanoparticles by chemical reduction technique using Zingiber officinale extract which can act both as reducing and stabilizing agent. Z. officinale (ginger) belonging to the family Zingibeaceae is a common constituent of diet worldwide and considered as a more potent anti-platelet agent than aspirin [21], with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer formation [22]. Therefore, stable gold nanoparticles synthesized with Z. officinale extract could be highly beneficial for drug delivery, gene delivery and biosensor applications where there is a direct contact of these nanoparticles with blood. The blood compatibility and complement activation of these nanoparticles were also evaluated to confirm its potential towards blood contacting applications. The blood compatibility and stability of nanoparticles were compared with conventional citrate capped nanoparticles.

Section snippets

Materials and methods

Fresh Z. officinale rhizome was washed several times with deionized water. 20 g of the rhizome was cut and boiled with 250 ml deionized water and filtered to get the extract. The extract is used as both reducing and stabilizing agent. Gold(III)chloride hydrate (HAuCl4) was purchased from Spectrochem Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India and used without further purification. Deionized water was used through out the experiments. Complement protein C3 kit was from Orion Diagnostica, Finland. Platelet factor

Results

UV–vis spectroscopy is an important technique to obtain the formation and stabilization of aqueous metal nanoparticles. The addition of Z. officinale extract to 1 mM aqueous HAuCl4 resulted in the color change from yellow to wine red due the formation of gold nanoparticles. Gold SPR band centered at about 523 nm was observed as shown in Fig. 1a in the visible spectra of the nanoparticle suspension. These particles were suspended in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) and this showed an SPR band

Discussion

Z. officinale extract have been reported to contain chemicals like Gingerol, Shagaols, Zingerone, Paradol and starch. It was reported that 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol are the major Gingerol and Shogaol present in the rhizome [27]. However, the water soluble ingredients present in the extract are responsible for reduction and stabilization of gold nanoparticles. As indicated by the FTIR data, the various functional groups mentioned above are mainly derived from heterocyclic compounds and these are

Conclusion

This work reports successful synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Z. officinale extract as a novel reducing and stabilizing agent of gold salts. Water-soluble gold nanoparticles have been characterized using absorption spectral, DLS and TEM studies. It is a novel and simple wet chemical reduction method for synthesizing and stabilizing gold nanoparticles. Z. officinale is used in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract such as constipation, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting [46]. Z. officinale

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Director and the Head BMT Wing of SCTIMST for providing facilities for the completion of this work. This work was supported by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India through the project ‘Facility for nano/microparticle based biomaterials – advanced drug delivery systems’ #8013, under the Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research Programme.

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