Green Synthesis and Applications of Nanoparticles

Green synthesis of nanoparticles harnesses biological materials—such as plant extracts, microorganisms or biopolymers—to reduce metal ions and stabilise the resulting particles without resorting to hazardous chemicals or high-energy processes. This approach offers precise control over particle size, morphology and surface chemistry by adjusting parameters such as pH, temperature and extract concentration. As a result, biogenic nanoparticles exhibit enhanced biocompatibility, reduced environmental impact and often unique functional properties. Applications span catalysis for pollutant degradation, adsorptive removal of dyes and heavy metals, antimicrobial coatings, targeted drug delivery and diagnostic imaging. Photocatalytic nanoparticles accelerate the breakdown of organic contaminants under light irradiation, while metal oxide and noble metal colloids serve as antimicrobial agents against resistant pathogens. Recent advances have focused on scale-up, mechanistic understanding of capping interactions and integration into composite materials for water treatment, energy conversion and biomedicine. The global significance of this field lies in its potential to supplant traditional synthetic routes, reduce waste streams and deliver multifunctional nanomaterials for sustainable technologies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of plant-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesis using the aqueous extract of Deverra tortuosa as both a bioreductant and capping agent. The resulting ZnO nanoparticles display a defined hexagonal wurtzite structure, uniform size distribution around 15 nm and high crystallinity. In vitro assays reveal selective cytotoxicity against colon and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines while sparing normal fibroblasts, underscoring potential for targeted anticancer therapies. Mechanistic studies attribute this selectivity to reactive oxygen species generation at the nanoparticle surface and enhanced cellular uptake mediated by phytochemical ligands.

Green Synthesis and Applications of Nanoparticles publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in green synthesis and applications of nanoparticles across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Bioreductant: A biological substance that donates electrons to convert metal ions into zero-valent nanoparticles.

Capping agent: A molecule or biomolecule that binds to nanoparticle surfaces to control growth and prevent aggregation.

Photocatalysis: Acceleration of a photochemical reaction by a catalyst, often involving the generation of reactive species under light irradiation.

Cytotoxicity: The quality of being toxic to cells, often quantified in vitro to assess nanoparticle safety or anticancer potential.

References

1. Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Extract of Deverra tortuosa and their Cytotoxic Activities. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and its application for methyl green dye adsorption. Green Energy and Resources (2024).
3. Green Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Pelargonium odoratissimum (L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract and Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Activities. Antioxidants (2022).
4. Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using aqueous Brassica oleracea L. var. italica and the photocatalytic activity. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews (2019).