Bioinspired synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials

In recent years, inorganic nanomaterials are emerging in a plethora of applications such as health care, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optical, and energy sectors owing to their unique characteristics. The fabrication of these nanomaterials by traditional routes is expensive, hazardous, and wasteful. Biologically inspired methods have drawn increasing attention as an alternative in a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly way to synthesize inorganic nanomaterials. In this chapter, recent progress in the bioinspired synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials using plants extracts, microbes, proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as reducing agents as well as unique templates like butterfly wing scales will be discussed. After a brief introduction to nanomaterials, this chapter will explain the mechanism behind the natural machines to produce nanocrystals in various shapes along with suitable examples. Afterwards, the applications of these biologically synthesized nanomaterials will be highlighted along with their unique physicochemical properties. At the end, the conclusion and future perspectives will be listed to highlight the next steps required in this field.