Honey Mediated Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles: New Era of Safe Nanotechnology

Abstract

With the advent of nanotechnology, many related industries rapidly developed over the recent past. Generally, top-down and bottom-up approaches are the two major processes used to synthesize nanoparticles; most of these require high temperatures, vacuum conditions, and harsh/toxic chemicals. As a consequence, adverse effects impacted organisms including humans. Some synthesis methods are expensive and time-consuming. As a corollary, the concept of "green nanotechnology" emerged with the green synthesis of nanoparticles commencing a new epoch in nanotechnology. This involves the synthesis of nanomaterial from microorganisms, macroorganisms, and other biological materials. Honey is documented as the world's oldest food source with exceptional medical, chemical, physical, and pharmaceutical values. Honey mediated green synthesis is a relatively novel concept used during the past few years to synthesize gold, silver, carbon, platinum, and palladium nanoparticles. Honey acts as both a stabilizing and a reducing agent and importantly functions as a precursor in nanoparticle synthesis. This method usually requires room temperature and does not produce toxic byproducts. In conclusion, honey mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles provides a simple, cost effective, biocompatible, reproducible, rapid, and safe method. The special activity of honey functionalized nanoparticles may provide valuable end products with numerous applications in diverse fields.