Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: Applications and Limitations

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a phenomenal rise in nanotechnology research due to its broad range of applications in diverse fields including food safety, transportation, sustainable energy, environmental science, catalysis, and medicine. The distinctive properties of nanomaterials (nano-sized particles in the range of 1 to 100 nm) make them uniquely suitable for such wide range of functions. The nanoparticles when manufactured using green synthesis methods are especially desirable being devoid of harsh operating conditions (high temperature and pressure), hazardous chemicals, or addition of external stabilizing or capping agents. Numerous plants and microorganisms are being experimented upon for an eco–friendly, cost–effective, and biologically safe process optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the green synthesis of metallic NPs using plants and microorganisms, factors affecting the synthesis, and characterization of synthesized NPs. The potential applications of metal NPs in various sectors have also been highlighted along with the major challenges involved with respect to toxicity and translational research.

Endophytic Microorganisms From the Tropics as Biofactories for the Synthesis of Metal-Based Nanoparticles: Healthcare Applications

“…Optimization of the NPs synthesis parameters (e.g., yield, time, temperature, pH, metal ion solution and biomass concentration) also should be considered to obtain different NPs with features, stability and desired activities (Singh et al, 2014). Achieve ideal physicochemical properties and synthesis parameters of metallic NPs is still very challenging for development in large-scale of green nanoformulations, once it includes the integration of methods and process that should be reproducible and viable to reach the pharmaceutical market for a security and efficient administration in humans (Dikshit et al, 2021).…”

Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Application of Silver Nanoparticles

“…These NPs are unique due to their small size, large surface area to volume ratio, high carrier capacity, high reactivity and easy variation of surface properties [1]. The distinctive properties of smaller-sized AgNPs also enable them to be applied in wide range of functions [2]. Currently, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in agriculture, commercial, medical and industry applications [3].…”

Green Silver Nanoparticles Promote Inflammation Shutdown in Human Leukemic Monocytes

“…The synthesis of metallic NPs mediated by plants can be obtained employing extracellular and intracellular routes [38]; moreover, phytochemicals previously isolated from plants are used to obtain NPs [39,40]. A large number of biomolecules, such as vitamins, phenols, proteins, flavonoids, saponins and aldehydes are involved in the reduction of Ag + to Ag 0 in aqueous solution [41,42] due to the presence of functional groups, such as -C-O-C-, -C-O-, -C=C-, and -C=O- [43]. The phytochemical profile of plants can vary according to the species; then, the size, shape and surface charge of NPs change together with pH, metal salt concentration, temperature and contact time [44].…”