Abstract
Green nanotechnology has emerged as a sustainable modification of conventional nanoparticle synthesis, eliminating toxic solvents, hazardous reducing agents, and energy-intensive procedures. The present review-cum-experimental study explores diverse greener methodologies including plant extract–mediated synthesis, microbial synthesis, biopolymer-assisted synthesis, microwave-assisted green synthesis, and ultrasonic green synthesis to fabricate metallic nanoparticles (Ag, Au, ZnO, CuO). Detailed protocols, characterizations (IR, UV–Vis, NMR, SEM, TEM, XRD), mechanistic interpretation, and comparative analysis of yield, morphology, reaction time, and biocompatibility are provided. Literature indicates that bio-reductants such as polyphenols, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and proteins enhance nucleation and stabilization with minimal environmental impact. The experimental outcomes of the present work demonstrate that plant-mediated and microwave-assisted routes produce nanoparticles with narrow size distribution, high crystallinity, and excellent stability. The study establishes that green synthesis is scalable, cost-effective, and suitable for biomedical and catalytic applications.