Functionalization of green synthesized bionanomaterials

Over time, there has been increased interest in the use of nanomaterials, however their biodegradation and safety remain ambiguous. Therefore, new studies have shifted toward the use of natural sources and green technology to produce bionanomaterials. Bionanomaterials are of interest in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine. They can later be functionalized by surface modification to enhance targeting to a specific site, thereby limiting off-site toxicity. Moreover, the functionalization of green bionanomaterials enhances the physical and biological characteristics. For this purpose, plant-derived extracts, marine origin materials, and microorganism-derived constituents are used. The use of natural capping or functionalization moieties not only reduces the toxicity issue but can also improves the pharmacokinetic profile of bionanomaterials. This chapter summarizes some possibilities of the functionalization of bionanomaterials, along with some examples and an overview of their use in the field of nanomedicine.