Plant Extract-Mediated Synthesis and Antibacterial Potential of Metallic Nanoparticles

The emergence of microbial resistance against antimicrobial drugs has become a crucial and complex problem. According to the WHO statistics, the increased antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria became one of the major causes of health-related problems. Thus, there is a constant need for research and innovation in this field to develop effective and easily available medications against microbes. In this regard, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) of copper, gold, silver, zinc, titanium, etc. have been analyzed for their role in diagnostic and therapeutic usage over the years. Till now, a diversity of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) has been proven to exhibit selective toxicity on bacteria, while showing a minimal impact on mammalian cells. Also, various synthetic methods have been explored for their synthesis in order to obey the green principles of chemistry. This chapter delineated the green synthetic approaches and the role of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) and metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) in their potential to treat bacterial infections. The use of various plant extracts for green and eco-friendly production of NPs has been discussed. Moreover, the chapter will provide a better understanding regarding the application of these NPs as antibacterial agents and the mechanism of action they follow inside the cells.