Optimization and ecofriendly synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles as potential antioxidant

Abstract The present study involves the use of Box-Behnken design for optimization of the energy-efficient process variables, eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles of iron oxide using Coriandrum sativum L. (cilantro) leaf extract. The factors, which significantly influenced mean nanoparticle size, surface charge, and size distribution, were the volume of leaf extract, agitation speed, and temperature. The developed model using Box-Behnken design was validated by synthesizing the iron nanoparticles using optimized operational conditions i.e. 10 ml volume of leaf extract, 1500 rpm agitation speed and 30°C temperature. This resulted in the formation of highly stable iron oxide nanoparticles with mean particle size 161.5 nm and polydispersity index 0.132 with a zeta potential of -19.5 mV. The free radical inhibitory activity of prepared iron oxide nanoparticles was found comparable to ascorbic acid. These results reveal that iron nanoparticles for a biomedical application can be prepared at ambient temperature in an eco-friendly manner.