Biogenesis and Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and Their Pharmacological Applications

Nanomaterial innovation is the primary catalyst of advancement in nanotechnology. Although there are many known chemical processes for creating nanoparticles that use harmful substances, it is now more important than ever to use processes that are safer, greener, and more environmentally friendly. The goal of research in this field is to use diverse life forms as "nanoparticle factories." Phytochemicals can convert salt into the appropriate nanoparticles thanks to their regular biosynthetic routes. In recent years, green chemistry methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a fresh and exciting area of study. Metal nanoparticles, including gold (Au), silver (Ag), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) along with certain oxides, can be synthesized using a variety of chemical and physical techniques as well as biological techniques carried out using plants. It has been discovered that methods involving plant-mediated synthesis are a more efficient and cost-effective way to create these metal nanoparticles. The plant-mediated nanoparticles are used as potential pharmaceutical agents for many diseases, including hepatitis, cancer, malaria, and HIV. Due to the higher efficacy and fewer side effects of nanodrugs compared to other commercial cancer drugs, the synthesis of nanoparticles targeting biological pathways has gained tremendous popularity. This review paper aims to cover the different green methods for the biogenesis of these nanoparticles, the different compounds and salts used, and the metals obtained. Ultimately, the significance and prospects of these metal nanoparticles especially in the fields of medicine, pharmacology, drug designing, and drug delivery engineering will also be commented on.