Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Piper longum leaf extracts and its cytotoxic activity against Hep-2 cell line

There is an increasing commercial demand for various nanoparticles due to their extensive applicability in various areas such as electronics, catalysis, chemistry, energy and medicine. Wet chemical techniques were used for the traditional synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, where the chemicals used are quite often toxic and flammable. In the present study, we describe a cost effective and eco-friendly technique for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from 1 mM AgNO3 solution using the extract of Piper longum leaf as reducing as well as capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. SEM analysis showed the spherical nanoparticles with 17.6-41 nm in size. These biologically synthesized nanoparticles were also exhibiting excellent cytotoxic effect on HEp-2 cell lines. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.