Sunflower oil mediated biomimetic synthesis and cytotoxicity of monodisperse hexagonal silver nanoparticles

In this work, sunflower oil was utilized for the biomimetic synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), leading to highly mono-dispersed hexagonal-shaped silver nanoparticles (NPs) at various concentrations. It was found that the biomolecules of the oil not only have the capability to reduce silver ions, due to its extended phenolic system, but also appear to recognize and affect the Ag nanocrystal growth on the (110) face, leading to hexagonal growth of the NPs of 50 nm size. Initially, some spherical AgNPs of less than 10 nm diameter were observed; however, over a longer period of time, a majority of hexagonal-shaped nanocrystals were formed. The one step synthesis can be extended for other metals. The as prepared sunflower oil capped AgNPs being completely free of toxic chemicals can be directly utilized for in vitro studies and offer a more rational approach for cellular applications. The NP solution exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity in human lung carcinoma cells and physiologically relevant cell model (3T3L1cells).