Green Synthesis of Metallic and Carbon Nanostructures

Abstract

The technological and biomedical applications of low toxicity and eco-friendly organic compounds are nowadays increasingly attracting the attention of researchers in nanoscience, who are aiming for more biocompatible and nanostructured systems for their application in antineoplastic therapies. This study presents the significance of "green components" in the production of graphene, metallic, and semiconductor nanoparticles, due to their antioxidant and antitumor properties. The formation of nanostructures is caused during green synthesis methods by organic molecules or carboxylic acid groups present in some plant extracts; for this reason, we include here a recapitulation and analysis of the role of carboxylic acids in those systems (organic). Furthermore, we propose the use of the extract from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes to obtain metallic and carbon nanostructures, as an alternative biosynthesis method for the development of future nanobiotechnological applications.