Biosynthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles and their Applications

Abstract

The development of nano-sized materials increasingly requires the implementation of synthesis methods that are friendly to the environment and that have the ability to implement them in medical, therapeutic, pharmacological, food and environmental areas. As such, green methods have been gaining ground in recent years. Within these processes, there is a huge range of species belonging to different groups (such as bacteria, algae, yeasts, fungi, and plants) with the necessary qualities to generate metallic NPs with particular size and shape characteristics, within which plants stand out. This is due to the simplicity of the process as well as their easy scaling. Additionally, the studies carried out indicate the parameters to be considered in order to carry out a good bioreduction process and obtain both monometallic and highly functional bimetallic nanoparticles. It should be noted that in addition to the economic and ecological advantages of the nature of these methods, the biological molecules that participate as reducing agents also provide stability to the NPs, in some cases conferring superior qualities in catalytic and clinical applications.