Nano alchemy: Ionic liquids transforming metallic particles for medicine

The combination of ionic liquid (IL) and metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) provides an attractive framework for developing multifunctional nanomaterials that have substantial pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. ILs, mainly composed of tunable organic cations and inorganic or organic anions, possess specific physicochemical characteristics, such as strong solvation ability, biodegradability and nonvolatility. These molten organic salts are sustainable and eco-friendly materials owing to their low vapor pressure, good thermal stability, nonvolatility, biocompatibility and flexible characteristics. All these aspects render them a suitable and greener alternative medium for the preparation of MNPs, referred to as IL-enhanced MNPs in this review. Chemical reduction is the most adaptable preparative approach, triggering the spontaneous rearrangement of metals over the nanoscopic range. IL stabilizes MNPs by providing electro-steric stabilization, preventing agglomeration and aggregation without the need for additional ligands or stabilizers and generating a surrounding anionic layer within their supramolecular network. These nanostructures can interact with microbial membranes to act as a potent antimicrobial agent, along with other characteristics such as anti-inflammatory properties and a role in drug delivery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of IL, synthetic strategies, the biomechanics of IL-enhanced MNPs and their pharmaceutical and therapeutic attributes. Lastly, this review outlines the Intellectual Property Rights and the ongoing regulatory considerations and paves the way for future research, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation of safety, efficacy and scalability.