The role of plant antioxidants in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles

In recent years, the number of reports of nanoparticle production using green methods has increased exponentially. Green methods of nanoparticle production are based on oxidation and reduction reactions in which metal ions are reduced to nanoparticles with the help of compounds in living organisms or their extracts, including antioxidants. The presence of biomolecules, including antioxidants in plant extracts in a reducing and stabilizing role, can help produce metal nanoparticles. In living cells, free radicals are produced during the cellular oxidation process. Free radicals are highly reactive due to the presence of a single electron, and are therefore highly toxic to the cell. Antioxidants (natural and synthetic) are compounds that prevent free radicals from damaging the cell, and their presence is essential for living organisms. Green nanoparticles produced with plant extracts, in addition to greater stability and better size than nanoparticles produced using other living organisms, also have improved biological properties. The antioxidant property of the extract is an important parameter to control the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. The antioxidant properties of plant extracts can lead to a better selection of plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles with desired properties. Plant antioxidants have reducing properties and can be purified and used for the production of green metal nanoparticles.