Synthesis and characterization of stable aqueous dispersion of silver nanoparticle from citrullus vulgaris seed oil via lecithin

Abstract
Nanoparticles are known to be of wide applications in various fields of human endeavours. Many methods of syntheses such as physical, chemical are harmful to the environment, thus, this study utilised green production of nanoparticles via waste product such as Citrulus vulgaris seed. Oil was extracted using soxhlet extractor from the prepared Citrulus vulgaris seed. Physico-chemical properties such as percentage yield, acid value, peroxide value were carried out on the Citrulus vulgaris seed oil. Citrulus vulgaris was further processed to form lecithin. The lecithin extracted was characterized for colour, Peroxide Value, Acetone Insoluble (AI), Acid Value, solubility in water and organic solvents. The result of the physico-chemical parameters was in conformity with the standard and various literatures. Therefore, lecithin is processed into dispersed aqueous silver nanoparticles by the addition of silver nitrate. The chemical reaction was monitored progressively using visual assessment, UV-visible and FTIR Spectroscopy. The size and surface of the dispersed silver nanoparticles produced was analysed using Atomic Force Microscopy. Therefore, a dispersed aqueous silver nanoparticle was produced from lecithin made from Citrulus vulgaris seed oil.