Biomass Assisted Synthesis of Antibacterial Gold Nanoparticles and Commentary on its Future Potential and Applications in Medicine

Department

Biology

Additional Departmental Affiliation

Chemistry

Authors

Chad Willis, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Xylose is a natural monosaccharide found in biomass such as straw, pecan shells, cottonseed hulls, and corncobs. Using this monosaccharide, we report the green synthesis and characterization of biocompatible, biodegradable xylose encapsulated gold nanoparticles (Xyl-GNPs) with potential antibacterial activity. GNPs were synthesized using the bioreduction property of xylose on the chloroaurate anions in an aqueous solution at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. The characterization of synthesized GNPs was examined by UV-vis spectroscopy; transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results indicate that the particles were stable; near spherical in shape with an average diameter of 15 ± 5 nm. Microbiological assay results showed the concentration dependent antibacterial activity of these particles against Escherichia coli. Thus the facile, environmentally friendly Xyl-GNPs have potential application in the biomedical field, particularly in the development of alternative antibacterial agents.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy

Disciplines

Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Biological Factors | Biology | Biotechnology | Chemicals and Drugs | Chemistry | Medical Sciences | Other Medicine and Health Sciences | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Recommended Citation

Willis, Chad, "Biomass Assisted Synthesis of Antibacterial Gold Nanoparticles and Commentary on its Future Potential and Applications in Medicine" (2012). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 368.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/368