Sustainable Nanotheraputics with Metallic Nanoparticles from Biogenic Sources

The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance and cancer necessitates the development of innovative and sustainable therapeutic approaches. Metallic nanoparticles synthesized via green methods using plant extracts, microbes, or natural polymers offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional therapies. These biogenic nanoparticles—such as silver, gold, copper, zinc oxide, and iron oxide—exhibit strong antimicrobial and anticancer properties through mechanisms like reactive oxygen species generation, membrane disruption, and apoptosis induction. Green synthesis avoids toxic chemicals and supports environmental sustainability. Furthermore, functionalization of metallic nanoparticles enables targeted drug delivery, imaging, and combination therapies, improving treatment efficacy and minimizing side effects. This emerging field integrates nanotechnology, green chemistry, and biomedicine to create next-generation nanotherapeutics that align with global health and sustainability goals.

This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge research in green synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical application of metallic nanoparticles derived from natural sources, with an emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly nanotechnological strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases and cancer.

Examples of nanoparticles that would be of interest to the topic are: silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which are renowned for broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activities via cell membrane disruption, can be produced by Fungi (Fusarium oxysporum) or plant extracts (e.g., aloe vera) with microbial enzymes or phytochemicals reducing Ag⁺ ions from silver nitrate (AgNO₃). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as another example, can be synthesised through plant extracts rich in phenols, flavonoids, or terpenoids reduce Au³⁺ ions from chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) into AuNPs with neem (Azadirachta indica) and tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts have been widely used to produce stable AuNPs with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives that include but are not limited to:
• Green and biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using natural resources
• Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities of sustainable nanomaterials
• Mechanistic insights into nanoparticle–pathogen and nanoparticle–tumor interactions at the molecular and cellular levels
• Functionalization of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, controlled release, or imaging applications
• Self-assembled nanostructures and hybrid nanoarchitectures for enhanced therapeutic efficacy
• Nanosensors based on metallic nanoparticles for rapid detection of microbial infections or cancer biomarkers
• Synergistic therapies combining nanoparticles with conventional antimicrobials, chemotherapeutics, or phytochemicals
• In vitro and in vivo assessment of biocompatibility, biodistribution, efficacy, and safety profiles

Keywords: Green synthesis, Metallic nanoparticles, antimicrobial therapy, Cancer nanotherapeutics, Biogenic nanomaterials

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.