Fabrication of bio-inorganic metal nanoparticles by low-cost lychee extract for wastewater remediation: a mini-review

Toxicol Res (Camb). 2024 Oct 19;13(5):tfae170. doi: 10.1093/toxres/tfae170. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: This review article gives an overview of the biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles (mNPs) while using Litchi chinensis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The subtropical fruit tree i.e lychee contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenolic compounds which act as reducing agents and convert the metal ions into metal atoms that coagulate to form mNPs.

Methodology: Different methodologies adopted for the synthesis of lychee extract and its use in the fabrication of mNPs under different reaction conditions such as solvent, extract amount, temperature, and pH of the medium have also been discussed critically in detail.

Techniques: Different techniques such as FTIR, UV-visible, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM adopted for the analysis of biogenic synthesis of mNPs have also been discussed in detail. Applications of mNPs: Applications of these prepared mNPs in various fields due to their antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and catalytic activities have also been described in detail.

Keywords: Litchi chinensis; green synthesis; metal nanoparticles; reduction.