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Review
. 2024 May 15;11(5):492.
doi: 10.3390/bioengineering11050492.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review

Nkanyiso C Nkosi  1 , Albertus K Basson  1 , Zuzingcebo G Ntombela  1 , Nkosinathi G Dlamini  1 , Rajasekhar V S R Pullabhotla  2
Affiliations
Review

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review

Nkanyiso C Nkosi et al. Bioengineering (Basel). .

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes.

Keywords: bioflocculant; biosynthesis; characterization; nanoparticles; potential application.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Top-down and bottom-up methods to synthesize NPs [56]. Created with Lucidchart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Physical method (A) and chemical method (B) [56]. Created with Lucidchart.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Applications of silver nanoparticles [23]. Created with Lucidchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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