Ficus carica assisted green synthesis of metal nanoparticles: A mini review

In last decade, several attempts were made for the green and economic synthesis of metallic nanoparticle having profound applications in all the arears of science. Ficus carica (Moraceae) is a deciduous plant with edible fruits. It has been widely explored for synthesis of various metallic nanoparticles like silver, gold, stannic oxide, copper oxide, iron oxide, palladium nanoparticles using extracts of Ficus carica leafs or fruits. Phytochemical prospection so far made on Ficus carica leafs or fruits revealed the presence of variety of compounds including organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, lower terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins etc. Researchers prepared metallic nanoparticles; characterised them by advanced analytical techniques and evaluated for particular application including, antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles; improved determination of mercury using stannic oxide nanoparticles coated glassy carbon electrode; carrying of chemical reaction using reduced graphene oxide decorated with palladium nanoparticles as catalyst. On this review, it can be concluded that due to presence of variety of phytocompounds, Ficus caricaplant can be used in preparation of metallic nanoparticles which could be useful in various scientific domains.