Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

08:19
Microfluidic Tools for Probing Fungal-Microbial Interactions at the Cellular Level
Published on: June 23, 2022
Nanotechnology and potential of microorganisms
Debaditya Bhattacharya1, Rajinder K Gupta
1School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India.
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
|January 20, 2006
Summary
Biological organisms offer a green chemistry approach for nanoparticle synthesis. This review explores various bio-organisms, from bacteria to plants, revolutionizing nanomaterial production.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Green Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing demand for environmentally friendly nanoparticle synthesis.
- Limitations of traditional chemical methods.
- Emerging role of biological systems in nanomaterial production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biological systems for nanoparticle synthesis.
- To highlight the advantages of bio-based approaches.
- To showcase the revolution in nanomaterial synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on biosynthesis of nanoparticles.
- Categorization of biological agents used (bacteria, fungi, plants).
- Analysis of the mechanisms involved in nanoparticle formation.
Main Results:
- Diverse biological organisms can synthesize nanoparticles.
- Bio-organisms offer a non-toxic and sustainable alternative.
- Successful synthesis of various types of nanoparticles reported.
Conclusions:
- Bio-organisms are effective tools for green nanoparticle synthesis.
- Further research can optimize bio-fabrication of nanomaterials.
- Biological synthesis represents a paradigm shift in nanomaterial production.
Related Concept Videos
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
Microbial Biosensors
Microbial biosensors are analytical devices that utilize living microbes to detect specific substances through measurable signals. These devices consist of two main components: biosensing organisms and signal-transducing elements. Biosensing organisms, such as Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are typically housed in multiwell plates connected to transducers, enabling rapid, real-time detection of target analytes.Signal Generation MechanismWhen a target analyte—such as...
Microbial Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture and the food industry, contributing to soil fertility, crop protection, and food production. Their functions range from nitrogen fixation and biopesticide production to fermentation and food preservation, making them indispensable to sustainable farming and food safety.Role in AgricultureNitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium (symbiotic) and Azotobacter (free-living), convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through biological nitrogen...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
iChip
The cultivation of environmental microorganisms has long been hindered by the inability to replicate complex native conditions in vitro. The isolation chip (iChip) addresses this limitation by facilitating the growth of previously uncultivable microorganisms through in situ incubation. Designed for high-throughput microbial cultivation, the iChip comprises hundreds of microchambers, each capable of housing a single microbial cell. These microchambers are loaded with a mixture of molten agar and...

