Recent trends in the plant based metal oxide nanoparticles and their application in biomedical and waste water remediation - A review

Nanomaterials (NMs) are gradually revolutionizing our world. They are playing an increasingly vital role across various fields, from everyday products to advanced technology. Nanoparticles (NPs) differ from bulk materials due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, which significantly influences their physical properties and reactivity. Metal oxide NPs possess unique characteristics, including a tunable band gap, making them suitable for diverse applications. The demand for environmentally friendly synthesis methods is growing, as green approaches offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for NP production. While gold and silver NPs have been widely studied, their high-cost limits large-scale applications. In contrast, metal oxide NPs of first-transition-series elements provide a more economical option. This review explores the green synthesis of these NPs and their applications, particularly in antibacterial treatments and water remediation, highlighting their potential as sustainable solutions for environmental and biomedical challenges.