Nanoparticles as Antioxidant Agents: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in the antioxidant properties of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising tool in several domains of science and industry, including their application as antioxidant agents. The main knowledge gaps seem to be in correctly identifying the make-up of the naturally occurring phytochemicals that give these nano-antioxidants their extraordinary pharmacology and drug-like properties. In many instances, that characterization is done using spectroscopy instrumentation such as fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). From literature appraisals, it was discovered that a lot of authors didn’t properly characterize the phytochemicals—flavonoids, phenolics, or other phytochemicals in the plant extracts in the case of green synthesis, which bond with the metallic components. Due to the lack of proper isolation of phytochemicals in the plants, it is also uncertain if the increased activities registered for the nanoantioxidants are the result of one or numerous phytochemicals creating unique nano-moieties. Most often, plant extracts of the same species vary significantly in their chemical composition, and therefore making it challenging to replicate the research findings. In conclusion, there is an inadequate understanding of the long-term consequences of nanoparticles on human health, and some studies have raised concerns about their safety versus potential toxicity. Therefore, further studies on the toxicity of nanoantioxidants are necessary.