Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant extracts

Area of Science:

• Green chemistry and nanotechnology
• Biomaterials science
• Plant-based synthesis

Background:

• Biomolecules in plant extracts can reduce metal ions to nanoparticles.
• This green synthesis is rapid, scalable, and occurs at room temperature and pressure.
• Plant-mediated synthesis is an environmentally benign alternative to traditional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for nanoparticle synthesis using plant extracts.
• To discuss particle characterization techniques.
• To explore potential medical applications of plant-derived nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing biomolecules from plant extracts as reducing and capping agents.
• Employing water-soluble plant metabolites (alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids) and co-enzymes.
• Exploring synthesis using both plant extracts and live plants.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly silver (Ag) and gold (Au), using diverse plant species.
• Demonstrated efficiency of plant-based synthesis for nanoparticle production.
• Identification of various plant metabolites involved in the reduction process.

Conclusions:

• Plant extracts provide an effective and sustainable route for nanoparticle synthesis.
• Characterization and application studies are crucial for realizing the potential of these nanoparticles.
• Biogenic synthesis offers a promising avenue for developing novel nanomaterials for medicine.