Eco-friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Panicum miliaceum Husks and Evaluation of its Physiochemical Properties

The agro-wastes are usually burned and it causes air pollution and creates a negative impact in the environment. To overcome
this issue green synthesis was adapted to produce a new byproduct. One of the most effective ways is synthesis of
nanoparticles (NPs) using the agro-wastes via green chemistry approach. In this study, Panicum miliaceum (Proso millet)
husks were used to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via biological approach. The biomolecules in husks of proso
millet were act as capping and reducing agent during the synthesis of AgNPs. The proso millet husks mediated AgNPs
were characterized using various techniques including, UV–vis spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy to study size, shape, and functional groups. The average size of as
synthesized AgNPs was found between from 15 to 50 nm with crystalline in nature. FTIR spectra showed the presence of
primary and secondary amines, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic rings, and metal oxide groups. The well dispersed spherical
shape of AgNPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. The stability of the AgNPs was assessed using zeta potential and the
potential value was found to be − 35.4 mV. The particle size distribution was analyzed by Dynamic Light scattering (DLS)
and the mean size of 190.8 nm was observed. Further, AgNPs may be used in various applications like anti-microbial
activity, environmental remediation, pollution control, cancer therapies, drug delivery, and other biomedical applications.