Bio-inspired Synthesis of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: The Key Role of Phytochemicals

• Published in: Journal of cluster science Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 665 - 704
• Main Author: Gebre, Shushay Hagos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.03.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomolecules; Biosynthesis; Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Coenzymes; Energy consumption; Flavonoids; Inorganic Chemistry; Medical research; Metabolites; Metal oxides; Methods; Microorganisms; Nanochemistry; Nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; Physical Chemistry; Phytochemicals; Polyphenols; Reaction mechanisms; Review Paper; Stabilizers (agents); Toxicity; Transition metals; Water treatment; Metal nanoparticles; Metal oxide nanoparticles; Plant extract; Biosynthesis; Phytochemicals
• ISSN: 1040-7278; 1572-8862
• DOI: 10.1007/s10876-022-02276-9

Transition metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have received considerable attention due to their fascinating and promising biological, energy, environmental, and catalytic applications. Different strategies such as physical, chemical, and biological approaches are used to synthesize the nanoparticles into the desired shape, size, and high surface area. However, the physical and chemical approaches have doubts in terms of energy, cost, safety, and environmental concerns. The use of the green approach is now considered simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and renewable using plant and microbe extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. Phytochemicals in plant extracts and enzymes, coenzymes, proteins, etc. of microorganisms are responsible for the transformation of metal ions into nanoparticles. Therefore, the present review highlights the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, plausible reaction mechanisms, and the role of the biomolecules in the synthesis. Challenges associated with green synthesis methods are discussed.