ABSTRACT
The synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) through green approach has continued to court the interests of scientists from diverse background due to numerous beneficial reasons. The process is eco-friendly, devoid of the use of hazardous chemicals and procedures in the synthesis, which promotes their biocompatibility and low toxicity; it is economical, rapid, cost-effective, and can be accomplished under benign conditions. The abundance of several biomolecules in biological entities that can concomitantly serve as both reduction and capping agents has also fueled the growing trends in one-pot synthesis of MeNPs. Amongst the MeNPs, silver (Ag), gold (Au), and their bimetallic alloy (Ag–AuNPs) have been vividly studied owing to their novel optical, physical, chemical, photothermal, catalytic, and electrical attributes for multiple applications. Some of the important usefulness of these nanoparticles is in their deployment as antimicrobial, larvicidal, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic agents. These biomedical applications are envisaged to combat myriads of problems facing mankind, particularly the antimicrobial resistance phenomena, control of vector-borne diseases, deleterious activities of free radical species, and control/management of 4blood coagulation disorders. It is evidently clear that properties exhibited by nanoparticles aptly positioned them to be used as vital tools in the development of new generation of nanomedicals. Therefore, this review presents the contributions of green synthesized Ag, Au, and Ag–AuNPs for biomedical applications with due diligence to antimicrobial, larvicidal, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic activities. Until now, there is no review that summarizes the biomedical applications of Ag, Au, and Ag–AuNPs as a compendium. The review underscores the importance of these particles in the emerging disciplines of nano- and biomedicine.
