Metal-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

AbstractNanotechnology deals with the possibility to exploit materials at nanoscale with an aim to get desirable properties. Nanotechnology aims to enhance the properties of materials by taking advantage of their nanoscale properties. The scope of nanotechnology covers a wide variety of fields including electronics, catalysis, sensing, automobiles, and medical. In recent years, particular interest in the scientific community has been drawn to the biomedical applications of nanomaterials. They differ significantly from their bulk counterparts due to their peculiar and improved characteristics. Nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, are being increasingly used for different biological and medical applications. Metal nanoparticles are potential candidates for novel biocides and antibiotic treatments. The novel properties of nanoparticles, especially the physical properties of size and shape, enable them to penetrate all living organisms easily. Several methods are involved in synthesizing metallic nanoparticles, and in general, it can be categorized into either bottom-up or top-down approaches. The top-down method consists of cutting down the bulk materials into nano-sized particles through physical, chemical, or mechanical treatments, whereas, in a bottom-up approach, nanoparticles are formed by joining individual atoms or molecules. The top-down approach produces metallic nanoparticles in naked form, which can further agglomerate and are not suitable for biomedical applications. The bottom-up approach involves solid-state, liquid-state, gas-phase, biological, microfluidic technology-based, and other methods. Chemical reduction in the bottom-up approach is the most common method of metallic nanoparticle synthesis, which is flexible, simple, inexpensive, and produces particle in a homogenous shape. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles has recently gained popularity due to its toxic-free nature, affordability, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.