Insights into progress in biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials: A review

Biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials (NMs) has attracted significant attention as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional physical and chemical methods. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the recent advancements in the biosynthesis of metal and metal and metal oxide NMs, quantum dots, and nanozyme using a wide array of biological systems. These include bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae (macro and micro), viruses, plants, food additives, and biodegradable waste extracts. These biological entities act as natural nanofactories, utilizing bioactive compounds such as enzymes, proteins, and secondary metabolites as reducing, capping and stabilizing agents to control NMs formation with varied morphologies, compositions and functional properties. The review delves into the mechanisms of intracellular and extracellular synthesis, highlighting the advantages of biogenic methods in terms of scalability, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. It highlights a wide range applications of biologically synthesized NMs in antimicrobial therapy, cancer treatment, catalysis, environmental remediation, and biosensing. Special emphasis is placed on the emerging role of food additives and biodegradable wastes as sustainable resources for nanomaterial (NM) production, promoting circular economy practices. Despite numerous advancements, challenges such as variability in biological sources, limited control over NM shape and size, and difficulties in standardization and scale-up remain. This review proposes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), bioinformatics, and nanobiotechnology as promising avenues to optimize biosynthesis processes, enhance reproducibility, and accelerate the discovery of next-generation NMs. By bridging biological science with technological innovation, biogenic synthesis holds immense promise for addressing global challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability and green manufacturing. • Biogenic methods improve safety, biocompatibility, and scalability • Microbes, plants, and algae serve as natural nanomaterial factories • Food waste and additives enable sustainable nanomaterial creation • Biogenic nanomaterials show promise in health and environmental care • Variability and scale-up remain key hurdles in green nanotechnology • AI and bioinformatics can optimize and speed up green material design