Biological Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Marine Algae Gracilaria Corticata and Its Application as a Potent Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Agent

The synthesis, characterization and application of biologically synthesized nanomaterials are an important aspect in nanotechnology. Biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles has received a tremendous attention and has been a focus of research due to their high chemical, thermal stability and promising applications in medicinal field due to its environmental friendly approach and also low cost techniques. In the present study gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of red marine algae Gracilaria corticata as the reducing agent. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The synthesized gold nanoparticles were screened against bacterial pathogens gram positive Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and gram negative Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and also studied for its antioxidant activity by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferricion reducing ability antioxidant power assay. The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the gold nanoparticles showed a considerable activity in comparison with the standards. These results not only provide a green approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles but also open a door for new pharmaceutical leads.