Abstract

The applications of metallic nanoparticles in cancer chemotherapy have increased tremendously due to their unique physical and chemical properties relating to their significant nano-size, structure, and shape. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles using biological agents such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants, and their products as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents is eco-friendly, cheaper, and a convenient, single-step method as compared to chemicals synthesis methods which are harmful to human health and the environment. This chapter discusses the sources of biological agents, highlighting some bacteria and focusing on medicinal plants, procedures of biosynthesis, mechanisms of formation of biogenic metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles derived from them, and their applications and mechanisms of action in lung cancer chemotherapy. Twenty-four medicinal plants, their derived silver, gold, zinc, iron, and cerium metallic nanoparticles and their anti-cancer effects in lung cancer cells have been outlined.