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Mucilage is a gelatinous mixture of polysaccharides secreted from the seed coat and/or pericarp of many plant seeds when soaked in water. Mucilage affected seed germination while maintaining hydration levels during scarcity. Cydonia oblonga (quince) seeds are natural hydrocolloids extruding biocompatible mucilage mainly composed of polysaccharides. Quince seed mucilage (QSM) has fascinated researchers due to its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. On a commercial scale, QSM preserved the sensory and physiochemical properties of various products such as yogurt, desserts, cakes, and burgers. QSM is responsive to salts, pH, and solvents and is mainly investigated as edible coatings in the food industry. In tablet formulations, modified and unmodified QSM as a binder sustained the release of various drugs such as cefixime, capecitabine, diclofenac sodium, theophylline, levosulpiride, diphenhydramine, metoprolol tartrate, and acyclovir sodium. QSM acted as a reducing and capping agent to prepare nanoparticles for good antimicrobial resistance, photocatalytic characteristics, and wound-healing potential. The present review discussed the extraction optimization, chemical composition, stimuli-responsiveness, and viscoelastic properties of mucilage. The potential of mucilage in edible films, tissue engineering, and water purification will also be discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through green methods, particularly using plant extracts, has gained substantial attention due to its environmentally friendly and cost-effective nature. This review examines the recent advancements in the green synthesis of AuNPs, exploring the role of phytochemicals in reducing and capping, which facilitate nanoparticle formation. The review highlights key factors influencing the properties of AuNPs, such as extract concentration, pH, temperature, and reaction time, and their subsequent characterization using techniques like UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and SEM. The resulting nanoparticles, which vary in size and shape, demonstrate significant potential in biomedical applications, including imaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, cancer therapy, and antimicrobial activity, owing to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. This review emphasizes the need for further research to gain deeper mechanistic insights into phytochemical reduction processes, optimize synthesis parameters, and explore advanced surface functionalization strategies. These efforts will enhance the control over the physicochemical properties of AuNPs, broadening their applicability in diverse biomedical fields. [Display omitted] • An eco-friendly and inexpensive method of nanoparticle synthesis involves the use of plant extracts. • Phytochemicals present in plant extracts act as capping and reducing agents. • Synthesis of nanoparticles is affected by Physical and chemical factors. • Gold nanoparticles are highly efficient for drug delivery and imaging. • Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles suit biomedical, catalytic, antimicrobial, and various other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]