Cancer Bionanotechnology: Biogenic Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Pharmaceutical Potency

Abstract

Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that promises to revolutionize medicine in the twenty-first century, as it offers great potential to radically advance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases such as cancer. Nanoparticles can be synthesized using chemical, physical, and biological synthesis methods. However, chemical and physical synthesis methods have shown to pose threats to the ecosystem, while the biological synthesis route as a green synthesis method has proven to be a nontoxic and eco-friendly method for generation of green nanoparticles with great potential to improve anticancer properties. This chapter will provide comprehensive detail on biogenic synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using bacteria, fungi, and yeast through intracellular and extracellular routes. This chapter will also demonstrate the potential benefits and the mechanism of toxicity of nanoparticles on cancer cells as a potential anticancer agent. Furthermore, the chapter will look at the setbacks and future prospects of biological production of silver and gold nanoparticles with industrial production suitability.