Chapter 11 - Green technology-driven novel, safe metal nanoparticles for cancer therapy: Present facts, current needs and future trends

Abstract

At present, several tools and techniques including chemical, physical and biological methods have been explored for multifunctional metallic nanoparticles synthesis. Most of these methods involve the use of toxic reagents, chemicals and solvents which have a crucial impact on our environment. Thus, the development of contemporary, resourceful green chemistry synthesis schemes of metal nanoparticles have become a key focus of biomedical scientists. Various active researchers are investigating eco-friendly and economical ways for the synthesis of well-defined metal nanoparticles judiciously. Green synthesis is believed as a key means to ease the harmful effects allied with customary methods of nanoparticle synthesis. This chapter highlights the applications of green synthesized metal nanoparticles in cancer therapy. The chapter begins by unfolding the appropriate background facts of cancer biology, nanotechnology, green nanotechnology and metal nanoparticles’ potential benefits as nanocarriers. It proceeds to the anti-cancer applications of metal nanoparticles with special emphasis on the five most common cancers leading to death. Furthermore, this chapter contains a devoted segment detailing the nanotechnology risk perspectives, clinical trial outcomes and market overview of green nanocarriers. Our goal is, to sum up, the different developed metal nanoparticles for cancer treatment over the recent years and briefly reveal the future challenges and outlook.