Applications of phytogenic ZnO nanoparticles: A review on recent advancements

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been integrated into health, food, feed, space, chemical, and cosmetics industries which call for a green and benign approach to their synthesis. Green chemistry has paved way for the development of eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of NPs. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an approach of developing nanoparticles using different biological components such as microorganisms, plants and other bio-regenerable materials. The natural strains and plant extract secrete some phytochemicals that act as both reducing agent and capping/stabilizing agents. Intracellular enzymes in microorganisms are capable of reducing metal ions which accounts for the feasible formation of NPs. Plant based nano synthesis gained preference owing to the great biodiversity, safest implementation, cost effective and easy synthesis of nanoparticles in large scale. Nano zinc oxide (ZnO) is a versatile material that has been functional in numerous areas. Green synthesized ZnO NPs are nontoxic, biosafe and biocompatible. Further these nanoparticles are also used as drug carriers and in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The review assembles the recent advancement in applications of phytogenic ZnO NPs. •The green synthesis of nanoparticles is highly encouraged during the past few decades.•Phytogenic nanoparticles have preference due to great diversity, safe, economic and easy production.•Nano ZnO is a versatile material used for environmental remediations and biomedical applications.•Phytogenic ZnO owns several potential applications that are detailed in the manuscript.