Recent advances in essential oils-based metal nanoparticles: A review on recent developments and biopharmaceutical applications

Biogenic synthesis of metal/metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) by reducing metal ions using secondary metabolites of plant essential oils is a single step and an eco-friendly approach. This biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles is somewhat fast, conducted readily at low temperatures and pressures, and a quite easy process. Metal nanoparticle synthesis using essential oils is environmentally-friendly or bio-safe. Essential oils (EOs) are complex lipids and contain a range of volatile and organic bioactive compounds, having huge applications in the medical, cosmetics and food industries. In this review, we have discussed the current developments on preparation of metal nanoparticles using essential oils and their biological properties in various applications. The various methods of nanoparticle characterizations are analyzed and potential applications of these nanoparticles are reviewed. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant essential oils is a single-step, eco-friendly, and fast method. Essential oils contain various organic bioactive compounds, with wide applications in different industries.