1.1 Platinum Nanoparticles (PtNPs)
In addition to nanoscience and nanotechnology, physics, chemistry, biology, molecular engineering, and others, these areas are rapidly developing. Nanomaterials are products that have been treated with nanotechnologies and include nanoparticles (NPs) of size ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers. Manufacturing typically uses metal or metal oxide nanoparticles [1]. As a result of these distinct optical, mechanical, catalytic, and biological properties, the nanomaterials have a wider range of applications than materials with unidentified particle sizes. For instance, because of their large surface area, biological compatibility, UV absorption, scattering, and antibacterial activity, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have gained popularity in the fields of electrochemistry, medical devices, textiles and clothing, and drug delivery [2–4].
Platinum nanoparticles are more stable due to the particular combination of its characteristics. PtNPs can be used in a variety of disciplines because of their surface functions, size, size distribution, shape, porosity, surface area, composition, crystalline nature, agglomeration, and electro, catalytic, thermal, biocompatibility, and plasmonic properties. Platinum nanoparticles have attracted increasing attention lately for a variety of biological uses, including photo-ablation treatment, bio-imaging, bio-sensing, targeted drug delivery, antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and hyperthermia [5]. PtNPs have potential uses in a wide range of biotechnological, nanomedicine, and pharmaceutical domains, making them fascinating and crucial research topics. Platinum nano-based particles have antibacterial properties [6]. Platinum nanoparticles size, shape, content, and structure, as well as the inclusion of a capping agent, determine how they are used in industry and medicine. As a result, new synthesis techniques have to be developed to optimize these essential features.
1.2 Green Nanotechnology
Green nanotechnology, a resultant field and an emerging branch of a nanotechnology is of great interest to research studies worldwide. It is the ideal solution to lower the risk of nanotechnology by reducing the adverse outcomes of the production and application of nanomaterials [7]. NPs have consistently attracted scientists due to their potential use in major industries for example engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Nanomaterials have a wide range of practical uses because of their particular optical, catalytic, electrical, and physical characteristics [8]. Due to their unique chemical, photochemical, electrical, and optical properties, metallic nanoparticles and their combinational analogues have drawn a lot of interest [9]. Noble metallic nanoparticles are regarded as highly selective and versatile agents. They have so many biological applications. The nanoparticles synthesized from noble metals are extremely useful in highly specific analytical tests, radiation enhancement, gene transport, thermochemistry, and delivery of drugs. The scientific community also believes that these metallic nanoparticles are safe for use in gene and medication delivery applications [10].
Green methods do not require energy, high pressure, high temperatures, or hazardous chemicals. The green synthesis technique has several benefits over traditional chemical and physical methods. It is also more affordable, environmentally friendly, and simple to build up for large-scale production [11–14]. The application of plant-based reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents without the use of dangerous, expensive, or energy-intensive chemicals is drawing the attention of researchers these days [15]. Because they have large amounts of bioactive secondary metabolites with significant reduction potential, plants are regarded to be an incredibly suited system for the creation of nanoparticles [16]. Metallic ions may be converted into physiologically active nanoparticles more quickly via environmentally friendly traditional biosynthetic processes in plants that include compounds with biological activity [17]. Because they are easily enhanced, provide less of a risk to biosafety, and don't need the establishment of cell cultures, plant extracts are frequently employed in these methods. In addition to maintain the cell culture [18]. Green synthesis approaches are based on the basic that phytochemicals, which are present in plant components, serve as both a natural reducing and a stabilizing agent for nanoparticles. Certain studies indicate that herbal extracts can be utilized to quickly synthesize highly stabilized nanoparticles, as compared to synthesis from microorganisms. Therefore, the plant extract could be an effective method for stabilizing and reducing nanoparticles at an early stage [19].
Unlike microbes, plants do not carry the danger of mutation during synthesis. Furthermore, it is simple to scale up extraction and separation for large-scale Nanoparticle formation. Because of its high yield, plant-based mediated formation of metallic nanoparticles is the most effective green synthesis technique available. The great stability of metallic nanoparticles synthesized in several plants account for the high metallic nanoparticle output. The stability of metallic nanoparticles is caused by the many phytochemicals and biochemical species found in plants [20]. In addition to being crucial for the production and application of PtNPs, the development of simple and environmentally friendly synthesis techniques also support the growing field of green chemistry [21]. According to previous literature platinum nanoparticles were synthesized by using plant extracts Atriplex halimus [12], green tea powder [22], Saudi dates extract [23], Xanthium strumarium [24] Punica granatum [25], Nigella sativa L.[26], Antigonon leptopus [27], Garcinia mangostana L. [28], orange peel [29] etc. These plant extracts are made up of several distinct ingredients. Plants develop at various stages and under different conditions, which affects the reducing power and stabilizing ability of plant extracts. This is why each plant-based extract has distinct components [30].
1.3 Cichorium intybus L. Plant and Biomedicine
Recently, there has been an increase of the interest in organic products, with a particular focus on those made from medicinal herbs. One of the best examples of this tendency is the Astraceae family plant commonly known as chicory. It has been demonstrated to be an effective source of bioactive substances (inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, coumarin derivatives, cichoric acid, and phenolic acids), as well as physiologically significant elements (potassium, iron, calcium) and vitamins (A, B1, B2, and C) [31]. Traditional medicated plants from North Africa to South Asia have been using chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) for hundreds of years [32]. Numerous C. intybus extracts have shown an extensive variety of biological and pharmacological characteristics, including hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-hyperuricemia, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities [33–36]. C. intybus has other pharmacological uses, such as antihypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, wound-healing, anti-allergic, anti-ulcerogenic, and gastroprotective properties. It has demonstrated anti-rheumatic properties have been assessed as an anti-hyperuricemia drug [37].
Being the second most prevalent cause of death globally, cancer is becoming more and more common. To comprehend the molecular pathways behind cancer and to develop suitable treatment procedures, C. intybus plant was utilized in the present research to contain different secondary metabolites. According to previous literature, multiple extracts from various parts of the C. intybus plant developed in a natural environment were obtained, and these extracts antioxidant properties and phytochemical profiles were revealed [38]. Oxidative stress is a problem in modern life because of processed foods, exposure to various toxins, lack of physical exercise, excessive use of technology, and other factors. These factors can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. Global demand for nutraceuticals is being driven by people for the search of alternatives to prescribed pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter treatments due to growing healthcare expenses and scepticism towards conventional medicine. Plant-based natural products high in antioxidants may be a useful tool for increasing endogenous antioxidant levels [39]. Polyphenols are a significant family of naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are produced by plants as secondary metabolites during normal growth and in response to environmental stressors. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are polyphenolic compounds, are naturally occurring antioxidants that play a significant role in shielding biological systems from the damaging effects of oxidative stress. C. intybus, is a perennial plant with antioxidant properties [40]. It is reported that the leaves of C. intybus had have the greatest concentration of flavonides and phenolic compounds, hence exhibit the strongest antioxidant capabilities [41].
1.4 Problematisation and Research Aim
Current chemical and physical methods of nanoparticles production require energy, high pressure, high temperatures, and hazardous chemicals. Such methods stress the environmental health for this reason, green synthesis techniques are progressively preferred as an alternative [42]. Therefore, several plant materials are being used as an alternative to the chemicals. Among these plants, however, there is limited knowledge regarding the use of C.inytbus in the synthesis of PtNPs. In this study, C. intybus is employed as a green synthesis technique for PtNPs production.
This research study is divided into two parts. In the first part, we evaluate the phytochemicals found in C. intybus and their antioxidant potential in different solvent systems. In second part, by using an aqueous extract of C. intybus leaves, we synthesized PtNPs. The reaction conditions of the synthesized platinum nanoparticles were optimized by different reaction parameters. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of C. intybus in different solvents and the green production of NPs from C. intybus plant extracts. During the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles, it acts as precursor. No evidence has been found in the review of the literature to the date regarding the antioxidant and phytochemical profiling of C. intybus in the solvent system and the green synthesis of PtNPs from C. intybus leaves extract. The outcomes of the research would pave a path to the further explore the use of C.intybus as precursor in devising the other nanoparticle.