Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Gold Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts: An Ecofriendly Green Approach

Abstract

Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its diverse applications in various fields, including medicine, electronics, and environmental science. The synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles, has been a subject of intensive research, primarily focusing on improving the synthetic methods in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. The green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods, which often involve hazardous chemicals and high energy consumption. In this context, plant extracts offer a unique opportunity as bio-reducing agents due to their abundance, low cost, and minimal environmental footprint. The use of plant extracts in nanoparticle synthesis not only addresses sustainability concerns but also opens doors to the development of biocompatible nanoparticles for various applications. This review article investigates about the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using a variety of plant extracts and evaluates their physicochemical properties, such as size, shape, stability, and surface charge. The study also explores the potential applications of these biogenic gold nanoparticles in fields like catalysis, drug delivery, and sensing. Moreover, the eco-friendliness of the process is assessed by analysing its environmental impact and comparing it with traditional chemical synthesis methods.