Study of Graphene-Ag Nano composites Using Melissa Officianalis Extract on the Phytochemistry of Plant

Nanocomposites of graphene with metallic nanoparticles have talented uses as bio-applications. In order to reduce the accumulation reaction of the grapheme nano-sheets and to obtain graphene with good electrical conductivity and high individual dispersion, some inorganic nanoparticles such as metals or semiconductors have been inserted into the interlayer of the graphene nanosheets. The adhesion of metal nanoparticles to the graphene helps in the inhibition of accumulation of the resulting graphene sheets in the dry state. The metal nanoparticles function as spacers and increase the distance between the graphene sheets, thereby making both surfaces of graphene available. The unique properties of carbon-based nanomaterials have involved great interest, which has encouraged the development of methods for large-scale industrial production. The continuously increasing commercial use of engineered carbon-based nanomaterials includes technical, medical, environmental and agricultural applications. Major objective of the study was to study the secondary metabolite modulatory effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles and graphene/silver nano-composites. Several studies have used graphene/nanoparticle hybrid materials in bio-applications. In this study, we exhibit a new process for the biosynthesis of graphene/silver nano-composites using Melissa officianalis plant extract. Melissa officianalis, is known as lemon balm for its fragrance and it has commercial value due to characteristic scent. Nearly 100 chemicals have been identified in M. officinalis and essential oil of lemon balm has 39% citronellal, 33% citral and 2% geranial as main components. In addition to the main components it has other phytochemicals such as linalool and caryophyllene-oxide. After synthesis of Ag nanoparticles by treatment of an aqueous solution of AgNO3 with M. officinalis plant extract, graphene was added to the synthesized nanoparticle solution and sonicated in the ultra-sonication bath. The synthesized nano-composites were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy. M. officinalis were grown in greenhouse conditions and experimental field. Then dried leaves were hydrodistillated with Clevenger apparatus and samples were analysed with a gas chromatography. Plant treated with GN/Ag nano-composites showed higher content of copaene (15.00-6.62%), caryophyllene oxide (49.5-32.31%), and caryophyllene (3.97-8.26%) respectively, than individual nanoparticles, graphene alone, plant without treatment of nanoparticles. Results of current study showed that GN/Ag nano-composites can be eco-friendly synthesized using M. officinalis leaf extract. The graphene/metal nano-composites produced may be biocompatible, and useful for bio-applications. Hence, we concluded that nano-elicitors combined with plant extract can improve the biosynthesis of medicinal natural products in plants [1, 2].

Keywords:

Graphene , synthesized Ag nanoparticle , Nanocomposites , Melissa Officianalis