ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology is considered as one of the most remarkable breakthroughs of the 21st century. Currently, materials science is entirely based on the concept of nanotechnology. A large amount of revenue is obtained through the commercial application of nanoproducts. Therefore, the development of numerous innovative approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials is a challenge for the scientific community. However, various conventional physical and chemical synthetic methods for the generation of nanomaterials are available. In addition to them being costly, a number of toxic by-products are generated in traditional methodologies which are hazardous to human health as well as the environment. Therefore, the development of a green and sustainable protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is highly desirable. Currently, microbe-mediated methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials have had a valuable impact because these efficient protocols are considered as cost-effective and environmentally benign.
This study aims to focus on several research works regarding microbe-mediated nanoparticle biosynthesis carried out in recent years. In this review chapter, the contribution of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, and viruses in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is discussed. Notably, the chapter covers the biosynthesis of some important metal and metal salt nanoparticles such as copper, silver, gold, palladium, platinum, cadmium, titanium oxide, cadmium sulfide, and zinc oxide. The application of these synthesized nanoparticles is being done in the field of pharmaceutical sciences as anti-biofilm and antimicrobial agents, targeted drug delivery of anticancer agents, biosensors, waste water treatment, water electrolysis, biocatalysis, degradation of dyes, crop protection against pathogens, etc. In this chapter, the advantages of several recent microbial approaches in the field of nanoparticle synthesis are covered in depth. In addition, future perspectives of nanoparticles are also incorporated.
Keywords: Microbes, Nanomaterial, Biosynthesis, Metal oxide
