Plant Extract Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: a Mini-review

Nanoparticles are an important field of research due to their unique properties as compared to their bulk structures and the diverse applications arising from these properties. The major synthesis methods available involve physical and chemical methods which are expensive and use toxic chemicals. There is hence a need for an eco-friendly synthesis route which is in par with the chemical methods. Green synthesis or biosynthesis is a good alternative where plants or microbes are used to assist nanoparticle synthesis, thereby reducing toxicity. Usually, biosynthesis is done for metallic nanoparticles, especially gold. In this paper, plant extract mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles and the factors affecting the synthesis are discussed.