Cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles on the seeds of Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium

The major advancements in the field of nanotechnology during the last decade have resulted in the widespread application of nanomaterials in the field of Science and Technology. As the use of nanoparticles is increasing alarmingly, the risk of these particles entering into the terrestrial and aquatic systems due to improper handling and thereby interfering with the plant growth also increases. The present study involves the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles and assessing its effects on the germination of the seeds of Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized using crude leaf leachates of Gmelina arborea to reduce a 1mM solution of silver nitrate. The silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible Spectrophotometric analysis and Scanning electron microscope and the average particle size was found to be 75 nm. The seeds of both Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium were then exposed to a concentration of 0.02mg/ml of silver nanoparticles. The germination inhibitory properties of silver nanoparticles on the seeds were evaluated by assessing their protein profile and enzymes like Amylase, Acid phosphatase and Peroxidase.