LAUSR

Abstract Lignin is a biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable biopolymer. The present investigation focuses on the bio-fabrication of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Li-SPIONs) using lignin from agro-wastes (straw of paddy and wheat) as a capping and reducing agent. The main motive of this study is to produce the biopolymer mediated nanomaterials using lignin. It is very important and needed in medicinal field as biodegradable nano drug delivery vehicles. Lignin mediated biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials were characterized by various techniques. An analysis of Field Emission Scanning Microscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope reveals that spherical-shaped Lignin mediated biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials were 20 ± 2 nm and 32 ± 4 nm in size respectively. The vibrating-sample magnetometer analysis illustrates that the bio-synthesized nanoparticles contain saturation magnetization. The lignin and their functional groups are act as capping and reducing/stabilizing agent for formation of biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials with magnetic power. In addition, this study was to explore Lignin mediated biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials for antioxidant activities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The IC50 values of the DPPH assay were as follows, 60 μg/mL (PLi-SPIONs) and 62 μg/mL (WLi-SPIONs). The rate of percent free radical inhibition was 59.85% determine its maximum antioxidant potential. Biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials were able to deactivate the free radicals and oxidative metabolites. It clearly shows that biogenic iron oxide nanomaterials have good magnetic and antioxidant properties, which could be used to produce and formulate novel drug and biomedical applications.