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Extraction of Metallic Nanoparticles from Electronic Waste for Biomedical Applications: Pioneering Sustainable Technological Progress

Author

Listed:
  • Sunil Kumar

    (Department of Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 201308, UP, India
    Galgotias Multi-Disciplinary Research & Development Cell (G-MRDC), Galgotias University, Greater Noida 201308, UP, India)

  • Harbinder Singh

    (Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Chandigarh University, 140413 Mohali, PB, India)

  • Harjeevan Singh

    (Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Chandigarh University, 140413 Mohali, PB, India)

  • Himanshi Soni

    (Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140417, PB, India
    Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Baddi 174103, HP, India)

  • Mikhael Bechelany

    (Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), UMR-5635, University of Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, CEDEX 5, 34095 Montpellier, France
    Functional Materials Group, Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Mubarak Al-Abdullah 32093, Kuwait)

  • Jagpreet Singh

    (Department of Chemistry, Research & Incubation Center, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali 140103, PB, India)

Abstract

The extraction of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has gained extensive attention from researchers for eco-friendly, reliable, and sustainable alternative protocol over the traditional linear economic approach (make-use-dispose) for boosting the circular economy. A plethora of MNPs including metals/metal oxide nanoparticles having a size dimension ranging from 1–100 nanometers (nm) have been extracted from these WEEE by using different chemical, physical, and biological methods. Recovery of certain precious MNPs can be achieved by dismantling and recycling electronic waste items in the form of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), zinc oxide (ZnO), silver (Ag), and copper oxide (CuO). These MNPs provide a huge range of applications such as antibacterial, therapeutic, target drug delivery, and biotechnological applications. This comprehensive review provides in-depth knowledge of the synthesis of MNPs using different techniques from WEEE and delves into their potential applications in biomedical fields with in-depth mechanisms. This article also discussed global challenges and opportunities in this area for adopting the concept of circular economy to conserve natural resources for future generations and hence create a greener environment and protect our planet.

Suggested Citation

  • Sunil Kumar & Harbinder Singh & Harjeevan Singh & Himanshi Soni & Mikhael Bechelany & Jagpreet Singh, 2025. "Extraction of Metallic Nanoparticles from Electronic Waste for Biomedical Applications: Pioneering Sustainable Technological Progress," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-36, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2100-:d:1602284
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hall, William J. & Williams, Paul T., 2007. "Separation and recovery of materials from scrap printed circuit boards," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 51(3), pages 691-709.
    2. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    3. Dutta, Tanushree & Kim, Ki-Hyun & Deep, Akash & Szulejko, Jan E. & Vellingiri, Kowsalya & Kumar, Sandeep & Kwon, Eilhann E. & Yun, Seong-Taek, 2018. "Recovery of nanomaterials from battery and electronic wastes: A new paradigm of environmental waste management," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3694-3704.
    4. Thobeka Pearl Makhathini & Joseph Kapuku Bwapwa & Sphesihle Mtsweni, 2023. "Various Options for Mining and Metallurgical Waste in the Circular Economy: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
    5. Éllen F. Rodrigues & Beatriz Cesa Rovaris & Alexsandra Valerio & Débora de Oliveira & Dachamir Hotza, 2024. "Bioleaching of Printed Circuit Board Waste to Obtain Metallic Nanoparticles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-16, November.
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