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Review Article Volume 9 Issue 2
Sustainable synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using phytochemicals: mechanisms, functionalization strategies, applications and future perspectives
Agilandeswari Mohan, Shakthivel Rajendran, Naveen Palani, Rabiya Riffath Syed Altaf, Keren Celestina Mendonce, TG Nithya, Puruchothaman Venkatesan, Sangavi Nagendran, Parthasarathy Surya, Mohankumar Srinivasan, Rajesh Kannan Ramar, Nandhini Sundaresan, Suriyaprakash Rajadesingu
Received: June 27, 2025 | Published: August 6, 2025
Citation: Mohan A, Rajendran S, Palani N, et al. Sustainable synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using phytochemicals: mechanisms, functionalization strategies, applications and future perspectives. Material Sci & Eng. 2025;9(2):36-54. DOI: 10.15406/mseij.2025.09.00253
Abstract
The green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using phytochemicals has garnered significant attention due to its eco-friendly, biocompatible, and cost-effective nature. This review highlights the chemical diversity of plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols and their multifunctional roles as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents in nanoparticle synthesis. Advancements in green extraction methods, including microwave-assisted, ultrasound, and supercritical fluid extraction, have enhanced the yield and bioactivity of phytochemicals for IONP synthesis. Furthermore, the paper explores the influence of these bioactives on nanoparticle formation, crystallinity, and stability. Novel biofabrication approaches utilizing microalgae, in-vitro cultures, and green biomaterials are also reviewed. Mechanistic insights into redox pathways, functional group interactions, and in situ molecular dynamics are discussed, supported by emerging trends in AI/ML-based process optimization and microreactor technologies. Functionalization of phyto-IONPs with polymers, biomolecules, and targeting ligands has expanded their applications in cancer therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, drug delivery, catalysis, energy storage, and bioinks. Emphasis is also placed on toxicity studies and the environmental impact of phytogenic nanomaterials. Collectively, this review identifies critical gaps in mechanistic understanding, scale-up processes, and regulatory frameworks, while proposing future directions for integrating green-synthesized IONPs into biomedical and industrial platforms.
Keywords: iron oxide nanoparticles, phytochemicals, functionalization, biomedical engineering, applications
©2025 Mohan, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.