Biogenic green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their applications – A review of promising properties

There has been extensive research on the synthesis and use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for medical applications due to their biocompatibility, oxide-free surface, easy bioconjugation, size- and shape-related optical properties. However, conventional methods for synthesizing AuNPs involve the use of toxic chemicals and high energy consumption and are not environmentally friendly. Due to the overwhelming advantages of the biogenic green methods, phyto-based AuNPs may become worthy materials for improved biomedical, sensor, catalysis, diagnostic and pharmaceutical applications. In this review, research articles concerning the use of phyto-based AuNPs in medical applications over the past decade are critically discussed as the green synthesis of AuNPs is continually explored for researchers to identify facile, efficient, and eco-friendly synthetic routes for improved AuNPs properties. In addition, this review will be useful for the future role that green AuNPs play in medicine as it recognizing obvious uses and the challenges currently faced during synthesis.