Biomolecules Assisted Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles

Abstract

© 2014 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Nanotechnology can be defined as the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of materials and devices on a length scale of approximately 1-100 nm in any dimension [46]. Nanotechnology is a result of convergence of traditional fields of physics, biology, and chemistry. Three types of nanoparticles can be considered: natural, incidental, and engineered. Clays, weathered minerals, organic matter, and metal oxides are the examples of natural substance [26,47]. Incidental nanoparticles are generated in a relatively uncontrolled manner and can originate as a by-product of fuel combustion, manufacturing, agricultural practices, vaporization and weathering, and release into the environment from nanoparticle production facilities [26]. Design and manufacture of engineered nanoparticles is intentionally with specific characteristics or compositions (e.g., shape, size, surface properties, and chemistry). These particles may be released into the environment through industrial or environmental applications [46].