Plant-derived nanoparticles: Green synthesis, factors, and bioactivities

Abstract

The remarkable physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles, such as their optical, magnetic, photocatalytic, and sensing capabilities, have made them a major focus of scientific research on a global scale. Nanomaterials can now be created using a variety of physical and chemical techniques. But these techniques are frequently expensive, use harmful chemicals, and can result in dangerous byproducts that pollute the environment. This emphasizes how urgently simpler, less expensive, and environmentally friendly substitutes are needed. Green nanotechnology, which blends nanotechnology with theories and practices of sustainable chemistry, might be the secret to building a sustainable civilization soon. Because they are simple, non-toxic, and environmentally benign, plant extracts have recently drawn a lot of interest in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Plant parts such as leaves, fruits, roots, and seeds are frequently used to create various NPs. In fact, NPs with specific size, shape, and composition can be produced using plant extracts. Researchers are pursuing interdisciplinary studies that bring together nanotechnology and biotechnology because of the unique qualities of phytochemicals found in plant extracts. Various substances, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alcohols, carbohydrates, sugars, and polyphenols, are found in plant extracts and are important stabilizing and reducing agents during synthesis. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of plant extract–mediated synthesis as a sustainable strategy for producing nanoparticles with controlled properties and promising biological applications.