Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Orange Peel Extract

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Solution Overview

Problem

The widespread application of nanoparticles is limited due to challenges in achieving stability and complete dispersibility in solvents, which is essential for various applications including healthcare and defense.

Innovation Solution

A method for synthesizing metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using orange peel extract, combining a metal salt or metal oxide solution with an orange peel extract solution to produce nanoparticle solutions that can form crystal powders or metal-polymer nanocomposites, utilizing polystyrene or poly-vinyl alcohol as polymers, and employing mild thermal annealing for stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chemical reducing agents and stabilizing agents are used to synthesize metal nanoparticles, then nanoparticles can be produced with controlled properties, but the stability and complete dispersibility of nanoparticles in solvents remains difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability and dispersibility of nanoparticlesVSAvoidcomplexity of synthesis process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses plant extract (containing phytochemicals) as an intermediary substance that simultaneously performs multiple functions: reducing metal ions to nanoparticles and stabilizing the nanoparticles to prevent aggregation. This natural intermediary replaces conventional chemical reducing agents and stabilizing agents, achieving both nanoparticle formation and stability in a single step, thereby improving reliability while reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plant extract serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a reducing agent, stabilizing agent, and capping agent all in one substance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate chemical agents and steps, directly addressing the contradiction by improving nanoparticle stability without increasing process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods using chemical reducing agents are used, then nanoparticles can be synthesized, but widespread application is limited due to difficulty in achieving stability and complete dispersibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability of nanoparticlesVSAvoidstability in solvent

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plant extract acts as a natural intermediary that provides biocompatible surface coating on nanoparticles, enhancing their stability and dispersibility in various solvents. This improves the reliability of nanoparticle applications across different fields (healthcare, defense, day-to-day life) by ensuring consistent performance in diverse environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of nanoparticle synthesis by using natural phytochemicals instead of synthetic chemicals. This parameter change results in nanoparticles with improved surface properties that enhance stability and dispersibility, thereby expanding adaptability and versatility for widespread applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the production of stable and dispersible nanoparticles with controlled sizes and shapes, facilitating their use in diverse applications such as food preservation, water purification, and medical devices, while being environmentally benign and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

combining the first solution and the second solution to produce a nanoparticle solution including metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

stability and complete dispersibility of the nanoparticles in a solvent is essential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStabilization:

Implementation Method 3

employing mild thermal annealing for stabilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal annealing: Annealing

Data Source

PatentUS9491947B1Method of synthesizing nanoparticles and a nanoparticle-polymer composite using a plant extract

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 KING SAUD UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method of synthesizing nanoparticles using a plant extract can include providing a first solution comprising a metal salt or a metal oxide, providing a second solution including extract from orange peel, and combining the first solution and the second solution to produce a nanoparticle solution including metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticle solution can be used to produce a crystal nanoparticle powder, a non-crystal nanoparticle powder, and/or a metal-polymer nanocomposite wherein the polymer is polystyrene (PS) or poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA).