Green synthesis, characterization and physiological stability of gold nanoparticles from Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl extract

Abstract The synthesis of nontoxic stable gold nanoparticles is important for medical applications. An aqueous extract of the plant Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles. This green method involved the S. lavandulifolia Vahl extract acting as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis and UV–vis absorption and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopies. Stability under physiological conditions is important for medical applications. The stability of the nanoparticles was compared with that of conventional citrate-capped nanoparticles, under both synthetic and physiological conditions. The nanoparticles synthesized from the S. lavandulifolia Vahl extract were stable under physiological conditions, in contrast with conventional citrate-capped nanoparticles.