Nanoparticle synthesis by biogenic approach

Abstract

Biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been present in living organisms over the course of evolution to serve a variety of purposes. In this chapter, we discuss the latest trends and application for nanoparticle synthesis via plants, algae, yeast, bacteria, fungi, etc. There exists several review articles among others documenting studies about various biogenic sources and associated nanoparticle synthesis; we have rather emphasized on recent research works which probed into novel applications of these bio-nanoparticles along with some important historical fi ndings. Also, we have discussed the challenges faced by biogenic methods along with possible areas to tweak in order to standardize this synthesis technique. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles has the potential to provide cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to work as “biological nanofactories”/functionalization method once the attention has been shifted to understand the underlying mechanism, its in vitro replication and obtaining shape/size control over the nanoparticles being synthesized.