Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications

Abstract

In recent years, synthesis of nanomaterials has gained huge attention because of their engineered intrinsic surface properties for morphology, dimension, dispersity, and functions. In general, there are two approaches to obtain nanoformulations, namely, “top-down” approach and “bottom-up” approach. Bottom-up approach follows synthesis through chemical and biological routes. The by-products produced in synthesis and chemical reactions limit its applicability in clinical and medical field because of the associated biological risks. Thus, biological route offers absolutely nontoxic, environment-friendly, and biofunctional alternatives to the chemical synthesis. Botanical preparations based nanoproducts appreciate sustainability initiatives through clean chemistry. In this regard, medicinal plant-derived nanoparticles particularly of silver and gold have been systematically studied in scientific literature for their syntheses and antibacterial and anticancer roles. The present chapter addresses the advantages derived from numerous phytogenic green fabrications of silver and gold nanoparticles that have shown cost-effective, facile, and nontoxic traits over chemical synthesis. A comprehensive scenario on enhanced antibacterial efficacy of silver and gold nanoparticles on broad array of pathogenic bacteria in account with inhibitory modes of actions at nano-bio-interface has been described. Significance of these nanoparticles on anticancer background considering several cancer cell lines and brief discussion on possible mechanism have been highlighted. Silver and gold nanoparticles are readily synthesized, economic, environment benign, and controllable for targeted features and functions. They possessed promising antibacterial and anticancer potentials that suggest their expanded practice in medicine and environment.