Natural and Engineered Nanomaterials for the Identification of Heavy Metal Ions—A Review

Abstract

In recent years, there has been much interest in developing advanced and innovative approaches for sensing applications in various fields, including agriculture and environmental remediation. The development of novel sensors for detecting heavy metals using nanomaterials has emerged as a rapidly developing research area due to its high availability and sustainability. This review emphasized the naturally derived and engineered nanomaterials that have the potential to be applied as sensing reagents to interact with metal ions or as reducing and stabilizing agents to synthesize metallic nanoparticles for the detection of heavy metal ions. This review also focused on the recent advancement of nanotechnology-based detection methods using naturally derived and engineered materials, with a summary of their sensitivity and selectivity towards heavy metals. This review paper covers the pros and cons of sensing applications with recent research published from 2015 to 2022.

Gold Nanoparticle-Based Plasmonic Biosensors

“…In biological methods, bacteria, fungi, yeast, or plant extracts are used as bioreactors for the synthesis of AuNPs [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. These microorganisms can reduce gold ions to nanoparticles using metabolic pathways, and the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles can be controlled by varying the culture conditions.…”

Biofabrication of nanoparticles: sources, synthesis, and biomedical applications

“…It is a very cost-efficient method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles. There are abundant sensor applications for these fabricated bio nanoparticles, mainly to detect the concentrations of metallic ions in the environment ( Vonnie et al 2022 ). The biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles is based on the reaction between biogenic and metallic precursors.…”

Chitosan neem nanocapsule enhances immunity and disease resistance in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

“…As a superior alternative to conventional methods that rely on the preparation of pharmaceutical drugs in biomedical applications, novel advances in nanotechnology have aroused the interest of researchers in a variety of scientific fields and aquacultures. Examples of novel advances are nanostructured materials such as nanoparticles, conjugates, and nanocapsules [ 21 ]. Nano-medicine uses various nanotechnology tools to create quicker and more effective treatments for illnesses or disease management [ 22 ].…”