Besides the numerous applications of magnetic particles in the fields of medicine, diagnostics, molecular biology and bioinorganic chemistry, a high potential exists for these particles in environmental sciences. Several methods have been proposed these last years for the separation of metals from wastewater using either micro- or nano-magnetic particles. We describe here the synthesis of such particles, compare their magnetic properties, and discuss the possibility of selectivity for metals ions, namely radionuclides. .

This last century, the development of new medicinal molecules represents a real breakthrough in terms of humans and animal life expectancy and quality of life. However, this success is tainted by negative environmental consequences. Indeed, the synthesis of drug candidates requires the use of many chemicals, solvents, and processes that are very hazardous, toxic, energy consuming, expensive, and generates a large amount of waste. Many large pharmaceutical companies have thus moved to using green chemistry practices for drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. One of them is the use of energy-efficient activation techniques, such as ultrasound. This review summarizes the latest most representative works published on the use of ultrasound for sustainable bioactive molecules synthesis.