Biomedical Applications of Green Nanotechnology
摘要
Nanotechnology is one of the promising technologies of this era. It deals with the practical applications of nanoscience theory by observing, manipulating, controlling and manufacturing of matter in the nanometer scale. Nowadays researchers focus on the biological synthesis of nanoparticles. In this process nanoparticles are synthesized using natural capping, reducing and stabilizing agents instead of using high—cost and hazardous materials. Biological processes are environmentally reliable because it uses plants (leaves, flower, fruit, root etc.) and microorganisms (Fungi, bacteria, algae, yeast etc.) as the precursors. Synthesis of nanomaterials using plant origin is termed as green synthesis. Traditional methods used for the synthesis of nanoparticles are highly expensive and generate toxic materials. It is necessary to find low cost, environmentally benign routes for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Therefore, green nanotechnology grabs the attention of researchers for developing nanomaterials. Less consumption of non—renewable sources, reduction of waste materials, low emission of greenhouse gases, and high energy efficiency are the important advantages of green nanotechnology. Metallic nanoparticles synthesized from medicinal plants show more pronounced therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, insecticidal activity, and wound healing properties. This chapter deals with the biomedical applications of green nanotechnology. Applications of green synthesized iron, selenium, copper, cobalt, cobalt oxide, silver, gold, and platinum nanoparticles are overviewed. Biomedical applications like cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery, antibacterial activity, biomedical Sensors, dentistry, bioimaging and tissue Engineering are discussed below.