Phytochemical profiling and green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles using Hibiscus sabdariffa and Xylopia aethiopica
December 23, 2025
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| Article Title: | Phytochemical profiling and green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles using Hibiscus sabdariffa and Xylopia aethiopica |
| Authors: | Igiebor F.A., Simon P.N. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Department of Biological Sciences, Wellspring University, Benin City, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | The increasing demand for eco-friendly nanomaterials has intensified interest in plant-mediated synthesis of metal nanoparticles. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Xylopia aethiopica and their efficiency in the green synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The objective was to characterize the phytochemicals involved in nanoparticle formation and evaluate the structural and spectral properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Aqueous extracts of both plants were prepared and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening. Nanoparticles were synthesized by reacting the extracts with AgNO₃ and CuSO₄ solutions under controlled conditions. UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for characterization. Results showed high flavonoid (45.80 ± 0.35 mg/g) and phenol (25.50 ± 0.29 mg/g) contents in H. sabdariffa, while X. aethiopica exhibited higher tannins (25.30 ± 0.27 mg/g) and terpenoids (18.30 ± 0.23 mg/g). Successful nanoparticle formation was indicated by color changes and UV–Vis peaks around 350–450 nm for AgNPs and 350–550 nm for CuNPs. FTIR spectra revealed O–H (3300–3500 cm⁻¹) and C=O (≈1600 cm⁻¹) functional groups responsible for reduction and stabilization. XRD confirmed crystalline structures. Therefore, both plants demonstrated strong reducing and capping abilities, providing a sustainable and non-toxic approach for synthesizing stable Ag and Cu nanoparticles suitable for biomedical and antimicrobial applications. |
| Keywords: | green synthesis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Xylopia aethiopica, silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, phytochemicals, spectroscopy. |
| *Correspondence: | Francis Aibuedefe Igiebor, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Tel. +234-(0)8033809330, email: figiebor@delsu.edu.ng |
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