Green Synthesis of Algal Nanoparticles: Harnessing Nature’s Biofactories for Sustainable Nanomaterials

The utilization of algae for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles has gained significant attention in recent years due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and scalability for large-scale production. Algae, as photosynthetic organisms, can convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy, making them promising candidates for nanoparticle synthesis. They can be employed as live cell factories, or their extracts can serve as natural reducing agents, providing a green and clean method for manufacturing various metallic nanomaterials. Additionally, this approach significantly reduces reliance on hazardous chemicals, emphasizing its environmental friendliness. The extensive diversity of algal strains offers opportunities for applications in biomaterials and green chemistry. By utilizing different methods, nanomaterials comprising noble metals, oxides, and chalcogenides can be produced using algae. These nanomaterials can be obtained in a wide range of sizes and shapes, adding to their versatility and associated benefits. The chapter aims to highlight the achievements and current status of algae-mediated metallic nanoparticle biosynthesis, as well as their applications. It provides valuable insights into enhancing the production yield of algae-based nanomaterials and explores their potential for environmental utilization.