GREEN SYNTHESIS AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS OF METAL-BASED NANOMATERIALS FROM GUAZUMA ULMIFOLIA

Abstract

The synthesis of metal-based nanomaterials using natural products has emerged as a promising and sustainable approach within green nanotechnology. Unlike conventional chemical or physical methods that often require hazardous reagents and high energy inputs, natural product-mediated synthesis employs plant extracts, biomolecules, and other renewable resources as reducing and stabilizing agents. These bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids—facilitate the formation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled morphology and enhanced surface functionality. The resulting nanomaterials exhibit exceptional physicochemical properties, including high catalytic efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for diverse applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, catalysis, and sensing. This study highlights various synthesis mechanisms, characterization techniques, and the influence of natural metabolites on nanoparticle formation. It also discusses key findings on their functional performance and explores challenges related to reproducibility, scalability, and toxicity. The integration of natural products in nanoparticle synthesis not only supports eco-friendly practices but also opens new pathways for the development of sustainable, high-performance nanomaterials for future technological and biomedical innovations.