Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles using microbes and plants: mechanisms and multifaceted applications

The utilisation of botanical materials and microorganisms in nanoparticle (NPs) synthesis has emerged as an environmentally sustainable alternative when compared to conventional methodologies which include various hazardous chemical agents. These eco-friendly NPs have recently received attention due to their potential applications across diverse fields. Multiple investigations have also demonstrated the efficacy of environmentally-friendly synthesised nanoparticles in various medical applications, including targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, and wound healing. Furthermore, green-synthesised nanoparticles exhibit promising potential in the environmental remediation, owing to their remarkable photodegradation capabilities. These photocatalysts harnesses light to transform the pollutants into benign byproducts. Green NPs have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in degrading various contaminants, encompassing heavy metals, herbicides, and dyes. The biogenic synthesis of NPs using microbes and plant-derived materials represents an affordable, environmentally beneficial, and biologically safe approach. Several NPs have been fabricated through the bio-reduction of biological substances or their extracts. Metallic NPs produced through natural means exhibit diverse biological and environmental applications, including adsorption, photocatalysis, and water purification. These sustainable and environmentally friendly protocols have captured significant attention from the scientific community over the past decade. This comprehensive review serves as a consolidated reference, summarising current and relevant research findings pertaining to the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles and their prospective applications in environmental contexts.