Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable biomedical technologies has stimulated growing interest in green-synthesized nanocomposites as alternatives to conventionally fabricated nanomaterials. Plant-mediated synthesis offers an environmentally friendly approach in which naturally occurring phytochemicals act as reducing, stabilizing and capping agents during nanoparticle formation. The current review systematically examines plant-mediated green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated with biopolymeric, polymeric and ceramic matrices with a focus on their synthesis, physicochemical characteristics, biological properties and biomedical applications. Also, it highlights the synergistic properties of green-synthesized nanocomposites and evaluates their reported antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Their applications in controlled drug delivery, photothermal therapy, bioimaging, tissue engineering, wound healing and regenerative medicine particular emphasis on chitosan-based nanocomposite systems rather than individual nanoparticles hybrid nanocomposites. Moreover, the review investigates how interactions between nanoparticles and matrix components affect particle size, morphology, surface chemistry, stability, biocompatibility and therapeutic performance. Chitosan is especially regarded for its role as a versatile biodegradable matrix, owing to its inherent antimicrobial properties, mucoadhesion, biodegradability and potential for functional modification. Recent progress in multifunctional nanocomposites that integrate targeted delivery, imaging and therapeutic functions is also discussed. Moreover, key current challenges including reproducibility, scale-up toxicity, long-term stability, standardized characterization and regulatory approval are given critical attention. Overall, plant-based nanocomposite systems offer promising multifunctional platforms for creating safer, sustainable and clinically applicable biomedical technologies.
Keywords: Biogenic Nanocomposites, Bioimaging, Biomedical, Drug Delivery, Microbes, Photothermal.