Biosynthesis of Sb2O3 nanoparticles: a low-cost green approach.

A low-cost green and reproducible microbe (Lactobacillus sp.)-mediated biosynthesis of Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis was performed at around room temperature. X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses were performed to ascertain the formation of Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles. X-ray analysis indicated that Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles had a face-centered cubic unit cell structure. Individual nanoparticles as well as a few aggregates of 3-12 nm were found. A possible mechanism for the synthesis of nano Sb(2)O(3) is proposed.