Green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using plant extracts.

Abstract

Abstract The biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles involves three main steps: (i) the selection of reducing agents; (ii) the selection of the solvent medium; and (iii) the selection of stabilizing reagents. Generally, plant extract contains both a reducing agent and a stabilizing polymer. For these reasons, plant extracts have the potential for the synthesis of nanoparticles. This chapter reviews the preparation methods of plant extracts (e.g. from leaf powder, plant fruit body, rhizomes, stem bark, tubers, seeds and latex). The plant extract preparation method has an important effect on nanoparticle morphology.