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Article

Rapid Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Quercus incana and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Human Pathogens

by
Rizwana Sarwar
1,
Umar Farooq
1,*,
Muhammad Raza Shah
2,
Sara Khan
1,
Nadia Riaz
3,
Sadia Naz
1,
Aliya Ibrar
1 and
Ajmal Khan
1,*
1
Department of Chemistry, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
2
Husein Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
3
Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010029
Submission received: 5 October 2016 / Revised: 7 December 2016 / Accepted: 9 December 2016 / Published: 16 January 2017
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Abstract

:
In current study, bioreduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4·3H2O) was carried out using leaves extract of Quercus incana for nanoparticle synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet visible spectrum (UV), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were generally clumpy agglomerates of polydispersed particles, with an average size in the range 5.5–10 nm. The Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) qualitative analysis and FT-IR data supported the presence of bioactive compounds, which are responsible for the metal reduction and nanoparticles stabilization. The biocompatibility of synthesized GNPs was evaluated via antibacterial activity by using human bacterial pathogens. The results showed that synthesized GNPs showed enhanced antibacterial activity against all bacterial pathogens.

1. Introduction

Nanotechnology is predominantly concerned with synthesis of nanoparticles of variable sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions, along with their potential use in human welfare [1]. The metal and semiconductor nanoparticles synthesis is an extending research area for the potential applications of nanoparticles and for the advancement of novel technologies [2,3]. The nanoparticles can be synthesized by different methods (physical, chemical, and biological) and by using different substrates (pure compounds, microorganism, and plant extract) [4,5]. The chemical approach is robustly scaled for the large-scale production of nanoparticles of tunable shape and size by using different synthesis conditions. However, the chemical method uses toxic solvents, which are hazardous and makes them unsuitable for biomedical applications [6]. The physical methods for nanoparticles synthesis are expensive and not appropriate for large-scale production [7,8]. Therefore, there is an increasing demand to develop environmentally feasible, low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-yield procedures for their synthesis. So, the biological approaches (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and plant/plant extract) for synthesizing nanoparticles become imperative to an ecofriendly synthesis procedure [9,10,11].
Silver as well as gold nanoparticles are of great medicinal importance. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) possess unique physicochemical properties, which attract the interest and demand of nanoparticles researchers [12,13,14]. Gold nanoparticles find applications in sensor devices, catalysis, optoelectronics [15], and in medicine [16].
The unique and unexpected catalytic properties of GNPs [16,17] make them suitable for the small-sized nanoparticle synthesis [15,18,19]. GNPs have additionally been utilized for different applications, such as immunoassay [20,21], protein analysis assay [22], mass spectrometry [6], capillary electrophoresis [23], and identification of cancer cells [24]. Nanoparticles can act as antimicrobial agents, due to their ability to interact with microorganisms [25,26,27]. The interaction of nanoparticles with the cell wall of a microorganism disturbs the cell’s functions by altering permeability, damaging the respiratory chain enzymes by depressing its activity, and, ultimately, causing cell death [28]. Plant-mediated nanoparticles have also been screened for antibacterial activity [29]. Silver nanoparticles are good antimicrobial agent and, in some studies, silver-based antimicrobial material was used to achieve a wide spectrum of functionalities [30]. Despite silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles were also screened for antibacterial potential. In one study, the author mixed gold nanoparticles with antibiotics, and enhancement in antibacterial activity was observed [31]. Another author’s experimental finding showed that the observed activity was actually attributed to the antibiotic, not GNPs [32]. These results contradict the concept of the antibacterial activity possessed by GNPs. The present study, based on green chemistry synthesis of nanoparticles, proposes synthesis of nanoparticles using Quercus incana. The added advantage of using Quercus incana is that it simultaneously acts as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. This study also compared the results of antimicrobial activities with standard and leaves extract of Quercus incana. To confirm the presence and support the synthesis of bioactive compounds, physiochemical, Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses were conducted.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Preparation of Extract

Leaves of Quercus incana (16 kg) were collected in May 2011, from District Abbottabad, Pakistan. The extraction and fractionation of plant material was reported in our previous study [33]. From the fraction of ethyl acetate, 500 mg was dissolved in acetone (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and marked up to 250 mL.

2.2. Synthesis of Nanoparticles

One millimolar solution of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4·3H2O) (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) was prepared in double-distilled water for the synthesis of GNPs. Different ratios of leaf extract and gold solution were set on a shaking bath for 4 h at room temperature to optimize the reaction. The mixture of leaf extract and gold solution was stirred thoroughly. After 15 min, the reacting colorless solution changed to violet, indicating the synthesis of GNPs, which was later confirmed by UV–visible analysis.

2.2.1. UV–Visible Spectrometric Analysis

UV–visible spectra of colloidal gold solution were recorded as a function of wavelength on Thermo Scientific Evolution 300 UV–vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV-240, Hitachi U-3200, Kyoto, Japan) in the range of 300–700 nm, operated at the resolution of 1 nm. Water and acetone mixture was used as reference solvent.

2.2.2. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The TEM analysis (Zeiss Libra transmission electron microscope, Carl Zeiss, Dublin, CA, USA) was performed to confirm the particle size and shape. For TEM examination, a small amount of synthesized GNPs was placed on a carbon-coated copper grid at an operating voltage of 120 KeV.

2.2.3. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

For FT-IR measurements, the GNP solution was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 30 min. To remove the byproduct and free proteins/enzymes, the GNP solution was washed with deionized water. The IR spectra were recorded on an IR spectrophotometer (IR-460 Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) using translucent pellets of a GNP/KBr mixture (1:1).

2.2.4. Identification of Compounds by GC–MS Analysis

GC–MS analysis of the extract of Quercus incana was performed using a PerkinElmer GC Clarus 500 system (Waltham, MA, USA) Electron impact mode with ionization energy of 70 eV was used for GC–MS detection. The carrier gas was helium (99.999%) with a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min and injection volume of 1 μL. The temperature settings of significance were the injector temperature (250 °C), ion-source temperature (200 °C), and the oven temperature (110–280 °C).
Mass spectra of extract of Quercus incana were recorded at 70 eV, with a scan interval of 0.5 s and fragments from 45 to 450 Da. The total running time for GC–MS was about 36 min after temperature adjustment. The TurboMass Gold (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA) was used as a mass detector, and TurboMass version 5.2 (Perkin-Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA) was the software used for chromatograms in GC/MS analysis.
Library matching was performed by matching their mass spectra in National Institute of Standards and Technology Mass spectrometry (NIST MS) library, 2005.

2.2.5. Antibacterial Potential of GNPs

Antibacterial potential of synthesized GNPs was tested against clinically isolated bacterial pathogens. The Gram-negative pathogens included Salmonella setubal (ATCC 19196) and Pseudomonas pickettii (ATCC 49129), whereas Gram-positive pathogens included Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). Antibacterial activity was determined by the agar-well diffusion method. The test cultures were swabbed on test media with sterile cotton swabs. A well of 6 mm diameter was made on a Muller Hinton agar plate using a sterile cork-borer (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). About 20 µL of three concentrations (25, 50, and 75 µg) of extract and GNPs were inoculated into the well. These plates were further incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. After the incubation period, the zones of inhibition were determined.

2.2.6. Antifungal Potential of GNPs

Antifungal potential of synthesized GNPs was explored using the agar-well diffusion method. Two fungal stains strains, Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 32611) and Aspergillus niger (ATCC 1015), were used for analyzing antifungal activity. Sabouraud dextrose agar plates were prepared and a 6 mm diameter well was made on the plate by gel puncture. The fungal cultures were swabbed with sterile cotton on test media, and 20 µL of three concentrations (25, 50, and 75 µg) of extract and synthesized GNPs were inoculated into the well. The test plates were incubated at 28 °C (for 72 h), then the zones of inhibition were analyzed.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles

UV–Visible Analysis

In the UV–visible analysis, the interaction between the ethyl acetate fraction and metal ions was studied for their consistency in surface plasmon resonance properties and gold metal reduction rates by changing the extract ratios. In GNPs, gold ion reduction occurred rapidly within 15 min of the reaction onset, making it one of the fastest bioreducing methods [34,35]. A blue shift was observed from 5:1 to 7:1, which indicates a reduction in the diameter of gold nanoparticles. Reaction optimization occurred at 8:1 ratio of gold and leaf extract, as shown in Figure 1. Synthesized GNPs centered at 543 nm with a 2.84 absorption peak. The surface plasmon resonance greatly depends on the shape, size, and dielectric constant of the metal and the surrounding medium of GNPs [36]. The broad nature of surface plasmon absorption (SPR) peaks indicated the presence of polydispersed GNPs. When the ratio of gold solution was increased from 1 to 8, while keeping the extract concentration constant, no shift in the SPR was observed (Figure 1), however the peak intensity increased, which was due to the development of more GNPs [37]. However, after the 8:1 ratio, a decrease in peak intensity occurred. After the 8:1 ratio of gold and salt, a decrease in absorption confirmed the decomposition of nanoparticles [38].

3.2. Stability of Gold Nanoparticles

3.2.1. Stability with the Time

Although gold nanoparticles were synthesized within 15 min of the reaction, complete reduction of Au (III) to Au (0) required maximum 4 h as shown in Figure 2. The characteristic absorption peak for GNPs was found at the wavelength λmax = 543 nm. This peak became more prominent with the passage of time via the complete reduction of gold metal. Over the 4 h reaction period, absorbance steadily increased until the complete reduction of gold metal by plant extract (Figure 2). They might have become stable after 4 h, as no change in absorption occurred. The observed λmax value was characteristic for the surface plasmon resonance peak of GNPs, which was due to the collective oscillation of free conduction electrons of GNPs in resonance induced by the interacting electromagnetic field [37,39].

3.2.2. Heat Stability

Heat stability of GNPs was also studied using a high-temperature range. For this purpose, GNPs were heated to 80 °C for 30 min, and the stability was checked by comparing absorption before and after heating. Nanoparticles showed thermal stability (Figure 3), but increase in absorption was observed after heating. The notable difference in UV–vis spectra for the synthesized GNPs was a change in the height of the peaks (which may relate to the number of the nanoparticles produced, as the optical density (OD) value correlates linearly with the concentration of the gold nanoparticles) [40]. The increase in absorption was due to their uniform distribution in size and small size [41].

3.2.3. pH Stability of GNPs

pH plays an important role in controlling nanoparticle size by affecting the surface charge stability and particle interaction. A digital pH meter (model 510, Oakton, Eutech, Vernon Hills, IL, USA) was used for the pH measurements of gold nanoparticles. To check the pH effect, acidic (HCl) and alkaline (NaOH) solutions were prepared and added to nanoparticles solution. This solution was kept for 2 days, and their stability was checked by observing absorption on a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The cleared solution and UV results supported the stability of nanoparticles at all pH values (Figure 4).

3.3. Spectroscopy (FT-IR)

A representative FT-IR spectrum of the synthesized nanoparticles and extract is shown in Figure 5. The leaves extract showed prominent peaks at 1074, 1723, 2927, and 3413 cm−1.
In ethyl acetate extract, O–H and aldehydic C–H stretching was observed at 3413 and 2927 cm−1. For amide I, one absorption band was observed at 1635 cm−1, whereas the α, β unsaturated aldehydes group showed an absorption band at 1709 cm−1.
The C–N stretching vibration of the amine group was observed at 1074 cm−1. The carbonyl group of amino acid and protein showed correlation with metal and showed ability to bind at the active site to prevent agglomeration, thus stabilizing the nanoparticles. The bioactive constituents in the ethyl acetate fraction could possibly perform dual functions for gold nanoparticles, namely, their (1) synthesis and (2) stabilization. The adsorption band for aromatic groups (C=C), germinal methyls, and aromatic C–C for gold nanoparticles were observed at 1618, 1452, and 1056 cm−1, respectively. The FT-IR spectra of Spirulina platensis showed gold ion peaks at 1242, 1541, and 1653 cm−1 [9].

3.4. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

The TEM examination of the GNPs confirmed that the synthesized GNPs were clumpy agglomerates that were polydispersed (Figure 6). After careful observation of the TEM image, it was found that the GNPs were prepared with an amazing size range of 5–12 nm.

3.5. GC–MS Analysis of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Quercus incana

GC–MS spectrum of ethyl acetate extract of Quercus incana showed sharper and broad peaks after 18 min of retention time (Figure 7). These peaks were searched in NIST library (ADMIS 2005), but most of them did not produce matching results of good quality. Few compounds were identified by comparing the extract mass spectra with the NIST library (Table 1)
In current study compound 4 showed retention time of 27.56 which is in agreement with literature [42] A broad and prominent peak was observed in the spectrum. The mass spectrum of compound 4 is given below (Figure 8). This was compared with the mass spectrum of dibutyl phthalate, and the maximum peaks of dibutyl phthalate matched with compound 4. Compound 7 was found at 32.18 min retention time (Figure 9), which was also reported for Tecomella undulate [43] with an amount of 17.13%, while in present study, the compound was observed to be 32.18% by area. This compound belonged to an alkaloid class of compounds and also reported for Haliclona tulearensis [44]. Compounds 2 and 3 might be responsible for the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. It is supposed that different-shaped polyol and water-soluble heterocyclic plant constituents are mainly responsible for the reduction of gold ions.

3.6. Qualitative Analysis

The qualitative analysis is very essential for identifying the compounds present in the plant. Green synthesis of nanoparticles takes place in the absence of reducing agents, which indicates that plants may contain bioactive compounds that act as reducing as well as capping agents.
These bioactive compounds are not only responsible for the nanoparticles synthesis, but also act as capping agents to prevent the coalescence of colloidal particles, which are kept apart in solution by electrostatic forces. It is supposed that different-shaped polyol and water-soluble heterocyclic plant constituents are mainly responsible for the reduction of gold ions [45]. Result of ethyl acetate fraction of Quercus incana showed tested positive for the bioactive compounds (Table 2).

3.7. Antibacterial Activity

Phytochemical constituents present in plants, serve as a defensive tool against microorganisms, insects, and herbivores [48,49]. The demonstration of antibacterial activity against bacterial strains may indicate the presence of antibiotic compounds. For antibacterial activity, there might be two of these mechanisms. Firstly, due to reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase activities, GNPs might have changed the membrane potential. In the second mechanism, GNPs might have collapsed the biological mechanism by decreasing levels of subunit of the ribosome for tRNA [28]. Synthesized gold nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activity against the test pathogens as compared to ethyl acetate extract of Quercus incana. Nanoparticles showed inhibition at the concentration where ethyl acetate was unable to inhibit test pathogens. GNPs were most effective against Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella setubal, where they showed 9 and 7 mm zones of inhibition at the concentration of 75 µg (Table 3). They were least active against Pseudomonas pickettii and S. aureus, showing 3 and 6 mm zones of inhibition at the concentration of 75 µg, but inactive at 25 µg. Here, it was also found that with an increase in the concentration of GNPs, the zones of inhibition also increased, even exceeding the antibiotic’s zone of inhibition.

3.8. Antifungal Activity

Synthesized gold nanoparticles showed moderate antifungal activity against the test pathogens Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger by comparing it with crude extract (inactive in microgram concentrations while active in milligram concentration). Gold nanoparticles were found to be more active against Aspergillus niger. In another study, when the antimicrobial potential of GNPs was determined by mixing gold nanoparticles with antibiotic, enhanced antimicrobial potency of GNPs was observed [50]. In our study, it was found that gold nanoparticles showed moderate activity as compared to the plant extract (Table 4).

4. Conclusions

This is the first report on the green synthesis of GNPs using ethyl acetate extract of Quercus incana. GNP synthesis was confirmed by UV–visible spectra, IR spectra, and by TEM analysis. GNPs showed a strong broad absorption peak at 543 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were clumpy agglomerates of polydispersed particles with an average size of 5–15 nm. The antimicrobial efficacy of the nanoparticles depends on the shape and concentration of the nanoparticles. This can be confirmed by studying the inhibition of bacterial growth by differentially shaped nanoparticles [51]. Nanoparticles have large surface area available for interactions, which enhances bactericidal effect compared to the large-sized particles; hence, they impart cytotoxicity to the microorganism [52]. Quercus incana appears to have significant antimicrobial capacity resembling a broad spectrum antibiotic against the human pathogenic Pseudomonas pickettii, Salmonella setubal, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger.

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, Hussain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan and COMSATS Institute of information technology, Pakistan for providing financial support for this work.

Author Contributions

Umar Farooq and Ajmal Khan conceived and designed the experiments. Rizwana Sarwar performed the experiments; Muhammad Raza Shah analyzed the data; Sara Khan and Sadia Naz carried out biological activities; Aliya Ibrar and Nadia Riaz were involved in writing, editing of manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:
GNPsGold Nanoparticles
TEMTransmission Electron Microscopy
FT-IRFourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
SPRSurface Plasmon Resonance

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Figure 1. Optimization of GNPs.
Figure 1. Optimization of GNPs.
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Figure 2. Change in absorption with the passage of time.
Figure 2. Change in absorption with the passage of time.
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Figure 3. Effect of heat on GNPs.
Figure 3. Effect of heat on GNPs.
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Figure 4. Effect of pH on GNPs.
Figure 4. Effect of pH on GNPs.
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Figure 5. FTIR spectrum of extract and GNPs.
Figure 5. FTIR spectrum of extract and GNPs.
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Figure 6. TEM image of GNPs.
Figure 6. TEM image of GNPs.
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Figure 7. GC–MS spectrum of ethyl acetate extract of Quercus incana.
Figure 7. GC–MS spectrum of ethyl acetate extract of Quercus incana.
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Figure 8. GC–MS of compound 4.
Figure 8. GC–MS of compound 4.
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Figure 9. GC–MS of compound 7.
Figure 9. GC–MS of compound 7.
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Table
Table 1. Compounds list by matching NIST library.
Table 1. Compounds list by matching NIST library.
S No.Rt (min)CompoundMolecular FormulaMolecular Weight NIST ID
120.39Cyclopentyl carboxylic acidC6H10O21143217
222.993-DimethylaminocrylonitrileC5H8N29653,996
325.564-AminoFurazan-3-carbhydroamic acidC3H5O2N5143262,446
427.56Dibutyl phthalateC16H22O4278228,847
530.343,5-Dimethyldihydropyran-2,6-dioneC7H16O314218,795
631.397,11-Hexadecadien-1-ol, acetate,C18H32O2280130,865
732.18Quinoline, decahydro cisC9H17N13954,094
832.66(1-Methoxy-pentyl)-cyclopropaneC9H18O14246,868
Table
Table 2. Phytochemical analysis of Quercus incana.
Table 2. Phytochemical analysis of Quercus incana.
PhytochemicalResultMethodReferences
Alkaloids+Mayer’s test[46]
Carbohydrates+Molish’s test[46]
Glycoside+Bortrager test[46]
Proteins and amino acids+Biuret test, Ninhydrin test[47]
Flavonoids+Alkaline reagent test[47]
Phenolic compounds+Lead acetate test[47]
Table
Table 3. Antibacterial assay of extract and gold nanoparticles (GNPs).
Table 3. Antibacterial assay of extract and gold nanoparticles (GNPs).
Bacterial IsolateGNPs Zone of Inhibition (mm) Plant extract Zone of Inhibition (mm) Ciprofloxacin
25 µg50 µg75 µg1 mg25 µg50 µg75 µg1 mg5 µg/mL
B. subtilis68917000813
S. aureus046120001122
S. setubal35715000824
P. pickettii0039000020
B. subtilis: Bacillus subtilis; S. aureus: Staphylococcus aureus; S. Setubal: Salmonella Setubal; P. pickettii: Pseudomonas pickettii.
Table
Table 4. Antifungal assay of extract and GNPs.
Table 4. Antifungal assay of extract and GNPs.
Fungal StrainGNPs Zone of Inhibition (mm)Plant extract Zone of Inhibition (mm)Nystatin
25 µg50 µg75 µg1 mg25 µg50 µg75 µg1 mg5 µg/mL
Aspergillus flavus0059000411
Aspergillus niger0357000617

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MDPI and ACS Style

Sarwar, R.; Farooq, U.; Raza Shah, M.; Khan, S.; Riaz, N.; Naz, S.; Ibrar, A.; Khan, A. Rapid Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Quercus incana and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Human Pathogens. Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010029

AMA Style

Sarwar R, Farooq U, Raza Shah M, Khan S, Riaz N, Naz S, Ibrar A, Khan A. Rapid Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Quercus incana and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Human Pathogens. Applied Sciences. 2017; 7(1):29. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010029

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sarwar, Rizwana, Umar Farooq, Muhammad Raza Shah, Sara Khan, Nadia Riaz, Sadia Naz, Aliya Ibrar, and Ajmal Khan. 2017. "Rapid Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Quercus incana and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Human Pathogens" Applied Sciences 7, no. 1: 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010029

APA Style

Sarwar, R., Farooq, U., Raza Shah, M., Khan, S., Riaz, N., Naz, S., Ibrar, A., & Khan, A. (2017). Rapid Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Quercus incana and Their Antimicrobial Potential against Human Pathogens. Applied Sciences, 7(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7010029

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