Chapter 3 - Green synthesis of phytogenic nanoparticles

Abstract

An array of new nanostructured components is burgeoning for various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The green chemistry method is the preferred approach for the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles because of its low toxicity, environmental friendliness, feasibility, and safety to human health when compared with other chemical or physical methods. Plants are the most preferred source of all macro- and microscopic entities used for the green synthesis of nanoparticles due to the simplicity, nontoxicity, and easy availability of raw materials. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, and saponins exhibit innate biological properties. Phytogenic synthesis of nanoparticles occurs at different physiochemical parameters. These parameters may help in controlling the shape, size, and dispersity of synthesized nanoparticles. Considering the importance of plant-mediated nanomaterial synthesis, in this chapter we provide a detailed account of the use of specific plant parts, different solvent media, key physiochemical parameters that direct the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles, and the mechanisms that mediate the nanomaterial synthesis. We also provide details on various specific phytochemicals that act as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in the process of nanoparticle synthesis.