Algae-Based Nanotechnology: Synthesis Methods, Applications, and Future Perspectives

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary scientific field encompassing the design, synthesis, and application of materials in the 1-100 nm size range. In recent years, with the increasing interest in environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods, the synthesis of nanoparticles using biological systems has become a significant research topic. Algae stand out as promising biological resources in nanomaterial synthesis due to their biologically active compounds and high biomass production capacity. Algae-based nanotechnology refers to the synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles using microalgae and macroalgae in an environmentally friendly manner. This review discusses the role of algae in nanoparticle synthesis, synthesis mechanisms, characterization methods of the resulting nanomaterials, applications in medicine, environment, energy, and agriculture, challenges encountered, and future research trends.