Nano-Based Materials and Their Synthesis

Abstract

Nanotechnology is one of the most exigent and fastest-growing branches in the field of science and engineering. Metal nanoparticles produced by nanotechnology have received global attention due to their extensive applications in the biomedical and physiochemical fields. Synthesis of nanoparticles is conducted through physical, chemical, and biological or green method. A physical and chemical technique of synthesizing nanoparticles have proved to be quite expensive and potentially hazardous to the environment. Toxic and perilous chemicals involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles through chemical synthesis possess various biological risks and are responsible for several health diseases. Recently, synthesizing metal nanoparticles using microorganisms and plants has been extensively studied and has been recognized as a green and efficient way for further exploiting microorganisms as convenient manufactories. Microorganisms provide diverse environment for biosynthesis of nanoparticles. These particles are safe and eco-friendly with a lot of applications in medicine, agriculture, cosmetic industry, drug delivery, and biochemical sensors. The challenges for redressal include optimal production and minimal time to obtain desired size and shape, to enhance the stability of nanoparticles and optimization of specific microorganisms for specific application. Products from nature or those derived from natural products, such as extracts of various plants or parts of plants, tea, coffee, banana, simple amino acids, as well as wine, table sugar, and glucose, have been used as reductants and as capping agents during synthesis. Polyphenols found in plant material often play a key role in these processes. The techniques involved are simple, environmentally friendly, and generally one-pot processes.