Rethinking Nanoparticle Synthesis: A Sustainable Approach vs. Traditional Methods

This review portrays a comparison between green protocols and conventional nanoparticle (NP) synthesis strategies, highlighting each method's advantages and limitations. Various top-down and bottom-up methods in NP synthesis are described in detail. The green chemistry principles are emphasized for designing safe processes for nanomaterial synthesis. Among the green biogenic sources plant extracts, vitamins, enzymes, polysaccharides, fungi (Molds and mushrooms), bacteria, yeast, algae, and lichens are discussed. Limitations in the reproducibility of green protocols in terms of availability of raw material, variation in synthetic protocol, and selection of material due to geographical differences are elaborated. Finally, a conclusion is drawn utilizing green chemical principles, & a circular economy strategy to minimize waste generation, offering a promising framework for the synthesis of NPs emphasizing sustainability.