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Natural Nanoparticles: A Particular Matter Inspired by Nature
Sharoon Griffin1,2, Muhammad Irfan Masood3,4, Muhammad Jawad Nasim5
1Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, D-66123 Saarbruecken, Germany. sharoon.griffin@uni-saarland.de.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2017
Summary
Nature is a skilled nanotechnologist, producing natural nanomaterials like minerals, sulfur, and selenium nanoparticles. These natural nanoparticles offer unique properties and applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental solutions.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanotechnology often involves synthetic materials, leading to public suspicion.
- Nature also produces a diverse range of natural nanomaterials.
- Emerging fields like phyto- and phyco-nanotechnology focus on natural nanoproducts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in natural nanomaterials.
- To highlight the properties and applications of naturally occurring and produced nanomaterials.
- To explore the potential of natural nanoparticles in various industries.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on natural nanomaterials.
- Analysis of chemical and physical properties of natural nanoparticles.
- Exploration of biological activities and potential applications.
Main Results:
- Natural nanomaterials include inorganic particles (ash, soot) and biogenic nanoparticles (sulfur, selenium).
- Natural nanoparticles exhibit unique properties and biological activities.
- Significant potential applications exist in medicine, nutrition, cosmetics, and agriculture.
Conclusions:
- Natural nanomaterials offer a 'greener' alternative in nanotechnology.
- Future applications include biogenic factories, waste-derived materials, and nano-bioremediation.
- Natural nanoparticles can convert poorly soluble substances into bioavailable forms.
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