A review of the biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles using fruit extracts: scientific potential and application

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are well-known nanomaterials that can be used for multiple biomedical applications. There are various methods for synthesis of GNPs using microorganisms and plants, particularly through the use of fruit extracts. Their use is due to the fact that fruit extracts are the natural concentrate of substances that possesses therapeutic properties. In this review, we aim to compare the recent studies concerning the methods for synthesis of GNPs from fruit extracts, the methods used to characterize the properties of GNPs and capping biomaterial and the potential applications of GNPs. The most frequently used methods to characterize GNPs and capping biomaterial are UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission or scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy techniques. Because of GNPs' optoelectronic properties, biocompatibility, stability and oxidation resistance, they can be used in areas such as electronics, chemical and biological sensing, tumour imaging, drug delivery and phototherapy.