Phyto-fabrication of metal nanoparticles using Thar desert plants

Nanoparticles possess characteristic properties that make them potential candidates for various applications in diversified fields. Developing novel strategies for the synthesis of nanoparticles is crucial to optimize their properties and expand their potential uses. The biological route of nanoparticle synthesis, also known as green method, has been portrayed as an efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly technique. Biological materials like plants, bacteria, yeast, fungi and algae have indeed been reported to possess high bioreduction and stabilization abilities, enabling them to synthesize metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes. Among these biomaterials, this review mainly focuses on Thar desert plant-mediated biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles. The phytochemicals in desert plants such as polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, saponins and pregnane glycosides play a crucial role in reduction, capping and stabilization of metal nanoparticles. A systematic study of literature, based on effect of various desert plant materials and experimental conditions on properties of metal nanoparticles is also provided. This review also highlights the applications of nanoparticles stabilized by desert plants in various fields such as agriculture, food industry and medicine.