Comparative Evaluation of the Phytotoxicity Between Chemically and Green Synthesized Au–NP’s

The major growing demand and promising adaptability in a wide range of applications, there has been an upsurge in extensive research on metal nanoparticles. Among these because of its versatility and unique physicochemical properties, gold nanoparticles have garnered significant heeds in all its applications. Due to the increasing usage of Gold nanoparticles in agriculture, there has been an increase in concerns of phytotoxicity. The two major synthesis methods of nanoparticles include the chemical synthesis and green synthesis method. The former is a conventional method that has been applied in engineering gold nanoparticles and the products thus synthesized have precise control over its shape and size but its potential environmental repercussions are a matter of concern. The latter on the other hand offers a more sustainable and ecofriendly approach. In order to comparatively evaluate the phytotoxic effects of AuNP’s synthesized by chemical and green methods, certain plant physiological parameters such as growth potential, seed germination, biomass, etc., are to be taken into account. The information provided with the above-mentioned assessments along with certain characterization techniques like TEM, SEM, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, etc., provides a much clearer idea about the mechanism of interaction between nanoparticle and plant cell. The findings reveal significant differences in the phytotoxic effects of chemical and green synthesized nanoparticles. While there is an increased phytotoxic effect exhibited by chemically synthesized AuNPs, the green synthesized particles showed milder consequences. This chapter focuses on the comparison of phytotoxic effects of chemical and green synthesis methods and accentuates the need to consider the methods of synthesis and evaluating potential environmental impacts along with the other important aspects of engineering nanoparticles.