Emerging advances in biomimetic synthesis of nanocomposites and potential applications

Nanoscale materials are primarily synthesized by utilizing several physiochemical methodologies; however, with inevitable negative consequences, such as environmental pollution, high energy con-sumption, high cost, and potential health problems. Hence, in recent years, several efforts have been made to identify reliable and environmentally friendly synthetic strategies for synthesizing nano -composites (NCs). Amongst, the plant-mediated synthesis has been identified as an alternative as plant extracts are used rather than the industrial chemical agents and harsh operational conditions to reduce metal ions which provide significant benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, decreased toxicity, and abundancies of raw materials. Further, plant-derived biofunctionalized NCs are currently being used successfully in several applications, including environmental remediation, biomedical applications, agricultural and food industries, and engineering, due to their obvious beneficial properties. The use of plant-derived NCs in the field of nanotechnology has paved the way for sustainable synthesis as well as opened up new opportunities for innovation and commercialization in a wide range of industries. Hence, this review describes the advantages of the plant-derived NCs to the nanotechnology field, as well as an overview of the three types of matrix NCs, their synthesis, properties, and various potential applications. Further, this review article may facilitate future research and development on plant-derived NCs in touched and untouched areas of science.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Traditional methods of synthesizing nanoscale materials have negative consequences, but plant-mediated synthesis provides an alternative. Plant-derived nano-composites offer advantages such as cost-effectiveness, reduced toxicity, and abundance of raw materials. They are successfully used in environmental remediation, biomedical applications, agriculture, and engineering, opening up new opportunities for innovation and commercialization.