Laboratory evidence supports thrombolytic performance and blood compatibility of green-synthesized silver and gold nanomaterials

Thrombosis occurs through the accumulation of platelets and the formation of a blood clot in the blood vessels, which is a life-threatening condition. Thrombolytic therapy based on nanomaterials is a life-saving developing approach that lyses and dissolves thrombus by different mechanisms. Bioengineering of nanosized metallic particles is an innovative approach to preparing metallic nanoparticles (NPs) employing biological resources, such as plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, and algae, as reducing and capping agents. Biogenic synthesis of metallic NPs is an environmentally sound and safe route for engineering NPs. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) is of great interest due to their unique physicochemical and biological performance. Further, among different applications of nanobiotechnology, the ability of biogenic metallic NPs, especially SNPs, and GNPs, to lyse blood clots has attracted enormous attention recently. However, the probable toxicity of NPs to red blood cells (RBCs) should be considered and addressed in medical usage. In this review, multiple studies are thoroughly discussed in which SNPs and/or GNPs were fabricated with various morphologies and sizes through green routes, and their thrombolytic and/or hemolytic activities were reviewed. Most of the studies indicated the significant thrombolytic performance of biosynthesized silver and gold particles. Furthermore, most of the studies reported dose-dependent hemolysis of these NPs. Further studies are required to validate the efficacy of SNPs and/or GNPs in clinics, and the other drawbacks of these NPs in the body should be addressed. • Thrombolytic performance of silver/gold nanobiomaterials. • Dose-dependent hemolysis of silver/gold nanobiomaterials. • Barriers for the development, translation, and implementation of silver/gold nanobiomaterials as thrombotic nanomedicine.