Synthesis of Biogenic Nanomaterials, Their Characterization, and Applications

Nanotechnology has advanced over the last ten years, which has sparked new biotechnological, imaging, and diagnostic device developments. Nanomaterials offer several scientific benefits and have exciting industrial potential. One such category of nanomaterials receiving attention is biogenic nanomaterials. Biogenic nanomaterials are characterized as materials that are derived from biological organisms. The production of nanomaterials using biosynthetic pathways may replace current chemical processes, opening a wide range of potential to develop more environmentally friendly products that can be applied to industrial operations. Due to its uses, researchers have directed their focus to nanomaterials, resulting in the development of more comprehensive platforms in fields including biomedicine and nanobiotechnology. Synthesizing biogenic nanomaterials is a critical step in research that can provide significant benefits in the future as we attempt to meet the growing demand for nanomaterials for biological needs. This chapter provides various methods of biogenic synthesis along with physical and chemical attributes. Further, this chapter expands into the various techniques employed for the characterization of nanoparticles along with the applications of synthetic biological nanomaterials in the environmental, healthcare, and industrial world.