Plant-Mediated Nanomaterials for Photoprotection: Mechanistic Insights, Current Advances, and Future Perspectives

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major environmental factor contributing to photoaging, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and photocarcinogenesis. Conventional UV filters, although widely used in sunscreen formulations, are associated with limitations including photoinstability, photocatalytic ROS generation, potential toxicity, and environmental concerns. In recent years, plant-mediated nanomaterials have emerged as promising multifunctional photoprotective systems, combining UV attenuation with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and biologically adaptive properties. Plant extracts are increasingly used as reducing and stabilising agents in the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these, ZnO and TiO2 serve as established inorganic UV filters, whereas Ag and Au nanoparticles have primarily been investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and ROS-modulating properties, which may indirectly enhance photoprotection. In parallel, plant-derived organic nanoparticles and herbal nanocomposites have demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility and multifunctional performance. This review critically examines the current landscape of plant-mediated photoprotective nanomaterials, focusing on the mechanistic interplay among optical UV attenuation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation, and cellular signalling regulation. Particular emphasis is placed on structure–function relationships governing nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, bandgap properties, antioxidant behaviour, and biological interactions. The review further discusses translational challenges, including reproducibility, standardisation, scalability, long-term safety, regulatory classification, and limitations in benchmarking. Importantly, current evidence suggests that no single material system simultaneously optimises UV-blocking efficiency, ROS control, biocompatibility, and industrial scalability, highlighting the need for multifunctional hybrid design strategies. Finally, future perspectives involving predictive nanoengineering, computational modelling, machine learning-guided optimisation, and adaptive photoprotective systems are discussed as emerging directions for next-generation sustainable photoprotective technologies.