The synthesis of silver nano particles has acquired more attention in terms of its applicability in various fields including medicine, environmental, electronics and energy. Owing to its exceptionally good catalytic activity, this particular study is focused on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in bulk scale, free from capping agents. Apart from the conventional colloidal green synthesis, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized in solid form using a cheap green medium lime fruit extract. The green mediated sol-gel auto combustion method eliminates the use of hazardous reducing agents and tedious purification processes. The structure, morphology and purity of the synthesized material were explored through various analytical techniques. TEM studies revealed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with average particle size of 8 nm. The potential of the silver nanoparticle as a catalyst towards reduction of organic compounds and dye degradation was established by conducting nitrophenol reduction and methylene blue degradation as a basic reaction. The nanoparticles were found to have effectively catalysed the reduction of p-nitrophenol and degradation of methylene blue with the aid of sodium borohydride as reducing agent. It may open up new path for the chemical free synthesis of crystalline silver nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic property.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been identified as promising tools with potential use in a wide range of areas, spreading from diagnostics to the treatment of diseases. The high magnetization value and ability to pass cellular barriers promote them to be used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents, gene delivery agents, hyperthermia therapy, and for tissue repair. Use of functionalized MNPs with macromolecules minimizes their risks in biological systems and offers organ specific diagnosis and therapy. MNPs functionalized with dendrimers can have better potential in terms of enhanced stability and dispersibility in aqueous solution. The particular review summarizes the recent advances in synthesis of dendrimer functionalized MNPs and their applications in biomedical field such as targeted drug delivery, MRI, magnetic hyperthermia treatment and as antimicrobial agent.

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