ABSTRACT
Storehouses of wonder chemicals, plants, are utilized in a diverse array of applications for the welfare of human life. Out of the many compounds that they produce, one group refers to phytometabolites, commonly referred to as plant secondary metabolites. They are the prime components in making plants unique and competitive in their own fields. Though not helpful in plant growth and development directly, these molecules are gaining ground as they exhibit the potential to fight against microbial invasions, especially when used through nanoparticles, whether metallic, non-metallic, or fabricated. Green synthesis of these nanoparticles helps play the role of antimicrobials better and there are trials being executed for the analysis of mechanisms of their antimicrobial activities. Reports of nanoparticles working as antimicrobial agents exist but one compiled and comprehensive report with the respective metabolites isolated along with the synthesis of nanoparticles under suitable conditions, to further work as antimicrobial agents, is lacking. Thus, this chapter exclusively aims at an all-inclusive approach starting from the classification of plant secondary metabolites to their ultimate utility as antimicrobial compounds as found effective against deadly microbes like Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and many others. Once the technology for the production of these antimicrobials is standardized, steps for the large-scale production and further commercialization of the same can also be set up. It is the dire need of the hour to enhance the possible modes of production of antimicrobial compounds in this era of multi-drug resistance so that the rate of morbidity due to microbial invasions declines and one of the safest technologies for the same as confirmed by in silico studies, is adopted. This opens up further avenues for investigation in the future, discovery of newer phytometabolites and their respective abilities to function against deadlier microbes as evolution takes its turn.
