Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications of Green Synthesized Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Background: Due to the rapid growth in life threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic wound and HIV/AIDS along with rise of side effects of the current treatments, world is now focusing to utilize new treatment options. Currently, the development of green nanotechnology field seems as a potential alternate for diseases diagnosis and treatment by preparation of various sizes and shapes of nanomaterials. Objective: This review is to present the explored biological sources in synthesis of nanomaterials particularly metal and metal oxides nanoparticles and critical review of the applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Methods: In this review, the various biological sources including bacteria, fungi, algae and plants used in synthesis of nanomaterials and mechanism involved in preparation are elaborated. In addition, biosynthesized nanomaterials applied as drug delivery system for anticancer, antibiotic, antidiabetic agent and functioned as potential diagnostic, antimicrobial, anticancer and wound healing candidates are comprehensively reviewed. Results: The synthesized metal and metal oxides from green protocol proved to have advantages such as being biocompatible, effective and cheap. Furthermore, the green synthesized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles showed to possess prominent physical, chemical and biological properties that can be efficiently utilized for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Conclusion: The information gathered in this review will provide a baseline for exploring more potential usage of green synthesized metal and metal oxide nanomaterials for various other applications. However, a concrete understanding of the safety of these nanomaterials is still needed to minimize the potential side effects.