Background:
Bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles (Ag/Au NPs) with different structures
have recently gained scientific attention due to their new and superior properties in comparison with
metallic NPs made from a single metal. Ag/Au NPs (alloy or core-shell structures) have been applied
to several biomedical, technological, and environmental applications. The potential applications of
Ag/Au NPs are widespread yet poorly investigated in comparison with monometallic NPs. Besides
traditional chemical and physical routes to synthesize bimetallic Ag/Au NPs, biogenic protocols are
considered cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly. Despite their simplicity, biogenic
routes to synthesize Ag/Au NPs are less explored than traditional synthetic protocols.
Methods:
In this context, we present a review and discuss recent progress in the preparation of
bimetallic Ag/Au NPs with different morphologies, structures, and size distributions using biogenic
synthetic protocols.
Results:
Biogenic synthesis using plant extracts, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other biological agents
are presented and discussed. The characterization and potential applications of biogenically synthesized
Ag/Au NPs in the different areas of medicine and biological applications, such as antibacterial,
anticandidal, anticancer, antidiabetes, and as sensors for clinical diagnosis are presented and discussed.
Conclusion:
Finally, challenges and drawbacks in the biological routes for the preparation of Ag/Au
NPs for industrial applications are also discussed.
Synthesis of Dandelion-like Porous Au Nanoparticles for Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenol