Green Synthesis of Gold Nanomaterials: Recent Studies and Scopes

A growing number of applications in the fields of biotechnology, biomedicine, catalysis, and energy storage have resulted from the development of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their unique biochemical, optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. However, the traditional approaches to creating AuNPs, like chemical reduction and physical procedures, frequently call for the use of toxic solvents, dangerous compounds, and large energy inputs, raising questions about environmental sustainability and public health. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches to synthesize AuNPs, often referred to as "green synthesis" or "biogenic synthesis". Green synthesis of AuNPs involves the use of biocompatible agents, such as plants, microorganisms, and biomolecules, to reduce gold ions and form AuNPs in a single step. Compared to conventional approaches, this strategy has a number of benefits, such as a reduced adverse effect on the environment, cheaper production costs, and better scalability. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current state of green synthesis of AuNPs, highlighting the various biogenic agents and characterization methods that have been employed to date. Furthermore, we shed light on the role of plantderived biomolecules in the reduction mechanism and stabilization processes. Our review provides researchers with a standard reference for future studies.