Microbe-Mediated Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles: Applications and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Nanoscience
• Microbiology and Biotechnology

Background:

• Nanotechnology utilizes nano-sized particles (~100 nm) with high surface-to-volume ratios, enabling modulation of material properties.
• Nanoparticles (NPs) possess size and shape-dependent characteristics crucial for applications in pharmacy, diagnostics, energy, electronics, and agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for synthesizing nanoparticles using microbial cells.
• To explore the applications of microbially synthesized NPs in bioremediation, agriculture, medicine, and diagnostics.
• To discuss the future prospects of microbial nanotechnology.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of various microbes (bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses) for intracellular and extracellular NP synthesis.
• Utilizing microbial machinery for the biosynthesis of metal, metal oxide, and other NPs.
• Investigating genetic engineering to enhance microbial NP synthesis capabilities.

Main Results:

• Microbial biosynthesis presents a quicker, safer, and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional NP synthesis methods.
• Certain microbes can fabricate unique nanomaterials like exopolysaccharides, nanocellulose, nanoplates, and nanowires.
• Microbial synthesis offers a promising route for producing NPs with desired size, structure, and morphology.

Conclusions:

• Microbial nanotechnology is a unique and promising field with significant potential.
• The review highlights diverse strategies and applications of microbially synthesized NPs.
• Future research should focus on optimizing microbial synthesis and exploring novel applications.