| dc.description.abstract | The application of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially that of silver, gold, cobalt, and
zinc as antimicrobial, anticancer, drug delivery, contrast, and bioimaging agents has transformed the
field of medicine. Their functions, which are attributed to their physicochemical properties, have
gained prominence in various technological fields. Although MNPs can be produced via rigorous
physical and chemical techniques, in recent years, a biological approach utilizing natural materials has
been developed. With the increasing enthusiasm for safe and efficient nanomaterials, the biological
method incorporating microorganisms and plants is preferred over physical and chemical methods
of nanoparticle synthesis. Of these bio-entities, plants have received great attention owing to their
capability to reduce and stabilize MNPs in a single one-pot protocol. South Africa is home to ~10%
of the world’s plant species, making it a major contributor to the world’s ecological scenery. Despite
the documented contribution of South African plants, particularly in herbal medicine, very few of
these plants have been explored for the synthesis of the noble MNPs. | en_US |
