Synthesis of Different Types, Shapes, and Sizes of Nanocarriers Using Synthetic and Biological Approaches

The application of nanomaterials in different fields totally depends on their characteristics. Considering the impact of the synthesis method on the final product’s characteristics such as size and morphology, selection of the proper method is critical. In general, the nanomaterial synthesis methods can be classified into two main categories: top-down and bottom-up. In the top-down methods, bulk materials are converted into nanomaterials using specific techniques such as mechanical milling. In the bottom-up methods, following the selection of a suitable precursor and creation of adequate conditions, atoms and molecules will lie next to each other and make nanomaterials consequently. Although most of the top-down synthesis methods are capable of mass production of nanomaterials, the diversity and ease of the bottom-up synthesis methods have made this category more interesting. Different types of nanomaterials can be used as carriers for cancer therapy, including zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterials. This chapter investigates the most important synthesis methods for the abovementioned nanomaterials and evaluates the corresponding effective parameters.