Noble Metals Based Bimetallic and Trimetallic Nanoparticles: Controlled Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Applications

Abstract

Noble bimetallic and trimetallic nanoparticles (NBT-NPs) have superior biomedical applications as compared to their monometallic counterparts. The performance of these nanomaterials depends on their composition, shape and size. Hence, the controlled-synthesis of these nanomaterials is a hot area of research. Till date, no review article in the literature accounts regarding the controlled-synthesis and biomedical applications related to morphology, optimum composition, biocompatibility and versatile chemistry of NBT-NPs. Taking this into contemplation, an effort was made to provide a clear insight into the morphology-controlled synthesis and size/shape-dependent anticancer and bactericidal applications of NBT-NPs. Chemical reduction method for the controlled-synthesis of NBT-NPs is reviewed critically. Furthermore, the potential role of various reaction parameters such as time, reducing agents, stabilizing/capping agents, nature/concentration of precursors, temperature and pH in the shape/size-controlled synthesis of these nanomaterials are discussed. In the second part of this article, anticancer and bactericidal applications of the NBT-NPs are reviewed and the influences of optimum composition, size, surface structure, versatile chemistry and synergism are studied. Finally, the current challenges in the controlled-synthesis and biomedical applications of these nanomaterials, and prospects to resolve related issues are discussed.

Highlights

• Chemical reduction method for the synthesis of NBT-NPs is reviewed.

• The influences of parameters on the control synthesis of NBT-NPs are discussed.

• Antibacterial and anticancer applications and cytotoxicity of NBT-NPs are reviewed.

• Possible solutions for the key challenges are discussed.

• Outlooks about the synthesis and biomedical applications of NBT-NPs are discussed.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Anticancer and antimicrobial
• bimetallic and trimetallic
• chemical reduction method
• controlled shape and size
• noble metals nanoparticles

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work has been financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31972154), Key R&D Program of Jiangsu Province (BE2017357), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31901772), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M651748) and Project of Faculty of Agricultural Equipment of Jiangsu University.