GREEN SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES: SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES AND EMERGING TRENDS

Nanotechnology is a rapidly advancing discipline with a wide range of practical applications, focusing on materials that typically measure between 1and100 nanometers. Conventionally nanoparticles have been synthesized using various physical and chemical methods. In contrast, green synthesis represents a biogenic, bottom-up approach in which natural extracts act as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents.This approach is particularly significant for medical and biological applications, where nanoparticles purity is a critical factor. In green synthesis, plant extracts or microorganisms function as ecofriendly reducing and stabilizing agents, minimizing the need for hazardous chemicals. Since metal ion reduction is followed by surface modification, traditional physicochemical techniques often involve toxic stabilizers and generate harmful by-products, raising environmental and safety concerns. Natural extracts not only reduce toxicity but also help regulate the size and shape of the synthesized nanoparticles such as silver, gold, copper, iron, palladium, and lead, while also highlighting their potential applications. Keywords: Green-synthesis, Nanoparticles, Plant extract, Phytochemicals, nanotechnology, plants, purity