Eco Friendly synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles from plant leaf extracts and their applications: A review

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts, driven by their eco-friendly nature and low toxicity to humans. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) produced through green synthesis methods have attracted global interest due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and wide-ranging applications in biotechnology. As the demand for sustainable green chemistry practices rises, the production of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles has gained significant traction. Biosynthetic approaches to nanoparticle fabrication are particularly favored for their environmental benefits, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and cleanliness, as they eliminate the need for hazardous chemicals and generate no harmful byproducts. Among various biological sources, plant extracts have emerged as a prominent choice for their dual role in reducing and stabilizing metal nanoparticles in a single-step process, thanks to their natural properties. Plants, as biological materials, are considered safe and are rich in reducing and capping agents. This review explores the principles of green chemistry and examines recent advancements in plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis, along with their applications. The nanoparticles covered include gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.