Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in the Agri-Food Industries - Chapter 2: Green nanomaterials: an eco-friendly route for sustainable nanotechnology

Nanotechnology may be attributed as one of the most significant breakthrough of the century having a wide array of applications beneficial to humanity. It presents a variety of new materials and applications benefiting the society. However, since these nanomaterials are synthesized by complicated industrial processes, therefore they are energy inefficient, toxic, and have many other adverse environmental impacts. Due to above mentioned factors; there is an expanding concern about the effect of these nanoscale particles on environment and human health. This calls for a need for the synthesis of green sustainable natural materials by using green methods as these nanoparticles are environmentally benign and safe to use. The amalgamation of nanotechnology and green chemistry has therefore become an important component of the future nanotechnology. This chapter focuses on the methods of establishing sustainable form of nanotechnology in the biosynthesis of nanoparticle with minimum impact on the environment. Greener nanoscience is therefore, presented as an approach for safer and more efficient alternative nanomaterials.