Bamboo mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles-A new approach towards utilization of an underutilized plant

The bamboos are underutilized plants with incredible versatility showing amazing healing properties due to the presence of a myriad of phytochemicals including phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, glycosides, coumarin lactones, anthraquinones and more. Bamboo shoots and leaves have excellent antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic and disinfectants properties that on consumption enhance the immunity against various viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Currently, bamboos have gained the particular attention of researchers because of their unique class of functional compounds that make them an ideal candidate for the formulation of silver or gold nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being utilized in every field of science and technology and are attracting research into their potential uses, primarily because of their very high surface to volume ratio. Phytochemicals from bamboo leaves and shoots have been used as potential agents for the formulation of silver nanoparticles. Recent research has shown their antimicrobial, leishmanicidal, catalytic and wound healing properties. Bamboo AgNPs are also used in packaging to prevent damage to food products by pathogens. The potential of different parts of bamboo in the synthesis of nanoparticles is yet to be fully explored. Nanoparticles have gained attention in the development of new pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, biosensor materials, composite fibres and electronic components. This paper presents an overview of the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using bamboo, and their potential biomedical applications.