Phytosynthesis, Characterization and Fungicidal Potential of Emerging Gold Nanoparticles Using Pongamia pinnata Leave Extract: A Novel Approach in Nanoparticle Synthesis

Biomediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using plant extract is a favorable alternative to traditional physicochemical based methods. Biological synthesis assists in the generation of stable and biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs). The aim of the present work was to fabricate AuNPs using Pongamia pinnata leave extract. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV–visible spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, and XRD. Absorption spectra showed SPR peaks in the range of 520–540 nm signifying the formation of AuNPs stabilized by P. pinnata extract. The average size of NPs was found in the range 10–25 nm as obtained from TEM analysis. Moreover, the synthesized NPs showed antifungal activity. The antifungal activities of AuNPs were tested against oomycetes SR1 and BP1120. The MIC80 value was observed at the concentrations 1.6 and 0.8 mg/mL of AuNPs in SR1 and BP1120 fungus, respectively. The study revealed an efficient, eco-friendly and simple method for synthesis of stable AuNPs using green synthetic approach.