Green synthesis and application of metal nanoparticles (MNPs): A sustainable strategy for protecting wood from fungal and termite decay

Preserving Wood decay against biotic agents such as fungi and insects, is a critical aspect of sustainable forestry practices while fulfilling the wood demands of various industries. These practices aim to prolong the lifespan of timber products and enhance productivity while minimizing the environmental risk from chemical treatments. Traditional wood preservatives and management approaches often contain toxic compounds harmful to humans and the environment. However, plant-based green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach and presents a promising alternative. In contrast to conventional methods, green synthesis approaches utilize natural sources such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and biomolecules as reducing and stabilizing agents. These eco-friendly methods reduce the use of hazardous substances and offer advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and scalability. Therefore, this review focuses on identifying effective green synthesis approaches by evaluating various methods of plant-based green synthesis to produce MNPs and their applications in protecting wood from biotic agents that degrade living and nonliving wood. • Green synthesis of MNPs using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical methods. • MNPs such as Ag, Cu, and ZnO exhibit strong antifungal and anti-termite properties, enhancing wood durability. • The interaction of MNPs with cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin improves wood resistance to biodegradation. • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and enzymatic inhibition are key mechanisms by which MNPs prevent fungal decay. • Green-synthesized MNPs offer sustainable and scalable solutions for wood preservation, reducing environmental toxicity.