Pnictogens: Bridging the Gap in Biomedical Advancements

Pnictogens, a faction of elements in group 15 of the periodic table, belong to the family of post-graphene and have garnered significant attention in various scientific disciplines due to their diverse properties and applications. They share common chemical properties, with increasing atomic size and metallic attributes down the group. Pnictogens play vital roles in various chemical compounds, such as ammonia, phosphates in fertilizers, and semiconductors. Their unique electronic configurations and reactivity make them essential elements in both biological and industrial processes. Understanding their properties and behaviours is crucial for chemistry and materials science. This chapter provides an overview of the pnictogens, consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth, highlighting their unique chemical characteristics, biological significance, and technological relevance. It explores their role in environmental chemistry, semiconductor industry, emerging materials science, and diverse implementation of biomedical fields. This chapter also discusses recent advancements and prospects in nanoparticle-based pnictogen research, emphasizing their pivotal role in addressing global challenges and driving innovation across multiple domains.