Nanoflower synthesis formed at different pH based on <i>Crocus sativus</i> L. ( <i>Croci stigma</i> , saffron) extract and its major components: a new approach for enhancing antioxidant, antimicrobial and catalytic activities
Ayşe Baldemir, Nilay Ildız, Sadi Yusufbeyoğlu, İsmail Öçsoy
Abstract
Herein, we have advanced a green process for the synthesis and characterization of hybrid nanoflowers using saffron extract, crocin and safranal which were involved as organic components in the creating formation of the nanoflowers, and Cu+2 ions which were involved as the inorganic component. The antimicrobial activities of saffron extract, crocin, safranal, and their Nfs were tested against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Candida albicans ATCC 1023, and the percentages of inhibition were calculated by minimum inhibitory concentration as well. The activities of nanoflowers were highly effective against all microorganisms than the saffron extract and its components, while only the crocin and crocin nanoflowers were ineffective against C. albicans. Similarly, 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl scavenging and catalytic activities of the nanoflowers were found to be more active than extracts and components. In the study, successful synthesis with saffron and its active components showed that they are promising antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.