Emerging Trends in Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Plant Extracts for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Nanoparticles are of growing importance in biomedical applications and work as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-cancer agents. Conventional synthesis methods of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles in general, involve toxic reagents which produce harmful by-products and are consequently, hazardous to the environment. For these reasons, Green Chemistry was developed in the 90s where12 principles towards a sustainable chemistry, were established. Eco-friendly methods of synthesis comprising of plant extracts are now gaining popularity due to the abundance of raw materials and the production of non-toxic by-products benign to the environment. Moreover, the nanoparticles produced by plant-extract-based-green-synthesis methods are cost-effective. The method itself is simple to implement, thereby making it viable for all countries over the world. In addition, nanoparticles produced by green synthesis methods display synergetic properties where both the nanoparticles as well as the natural active molecule of the plant, influence the biocidal properties. Active efforts to control the size and the shape of the nanoparticles are being carried out and new synthesis procedure are regularly being developed. Plant-extract-based-synthesis-routes represent an eco-friendly alternative showing promise in bio-medical applications and in resolving to some extent the negative effects of synthetic drugs.