Green metal nanoparticles in pharmacy: Environmental perspectives and biomedical promise

The emergence of green nanotechnology has revolutionized pharmaceutical science by merging sustainability with biomedical innovation. Green Metal Nanoparticles (GMNPs), synthesized using eco-friendly biological routes such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and biopolymers, offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical synthesis that often relies on hazardous reagents and generates toxic byproducts. This review provides an integrative perspective on the synthesis, characterization, environmental safety, and therapeutic potential of GMNPs. Emphasis is placed on the environmental advantages of biosynthetic methods, including reduced carbon footprint, renewable resource utilization, and minimal ecological toxicity. The biomedical promise of GMNPs is explored through their demonstrated applications in cancer therapy, antimicrobial formulations, targeted drug delivery, and diagnostic systems. Moreover, the review highlights the environmental implications of nanoparticle disposal and lifecycle management while underscoring regulatory and policy considerations. By bridging green chemistry principles with pharmaceutical innovation, GMNPs pave the way toward an environmentally responsible and therapeutically potent future in nanomedicine.