Environmentally-friendly synthesis of platinum nanoparticles: phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of Cichorium intybus in different solvents

Cichorium intybus, a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, has long been utilized in traditional medicine across South and North Africa. This study explores the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of C. intybus leaf extracts and develops a green synthesis method for platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using these extracts. Extracts were prepared using five solvent systems: 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 100% methanol, 100% ethanol, and de-ionized water. The 80% methanolic extract showed the highest yield (12.79 g/100 g DW), total phenolic content (93.24 mg GAE/g DW), and total flavonoid content (8.92 mg CE/g DW). Antioxidant activity assays revealed that the 80% methanolic extract had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Additionally, the green synthesis of PtNPs was achieved using C. intybus extracts, indicated by a color change and a surface plasmon resonance band at 295 nm in UV–visible spectroscopy. Optimal synthesis conditions were pH 9, 120 min reaction time, and 90 °C. UV–visible and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis and stability of the PtNPs. These findings highlight the medicinal importance of Cichorium intybus and present a sustainable approach for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles, offering significant contributions to phytochemistry and nanotechnology.