Microbe-Based Metallic Nanoparticles Synthesis and Biomedical Applications: An Update

Abstract

Nanotechnology, a fascinating and interesting field of science has attracted researchers to explore its various applications in medicine, biology, environment, electronics, medical devices, food and agriculture. The engineered metallic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique physicochemical and biological properties owing to their small size, varying shapes and surface plasmon dynamics. Metallic NPs have gained exceptional importance and are continuously explored for new opportunities. NPs display superior chemical stability, conductivity, catalytic activity, and possess superior pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and many more. In general, NPs are conventionally synthesized by physical or chemical methods that employ expensive and hazardous chemicals. The health risks associated with these toxic NPs cannot be ignored and hence, not preferred for many biological applications. Therefore, research is progressing towards the development of an eco-friendly and reliable biological approaches of nanoparticle synthesis. In this regard, biosynthesis of NPs using either plants, phytocompounds or microbes is gaining more importance in recent times among researchers owing to their potential pharmacological benefits. Microbes, such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and viruses have intrinsic bulks to reduce silver metal through their metabolic pathways. Microbe-assisted NPs synthesis avoids elaborate cell culture maintenance and yields in diverse size range, and morphologies that imparts unique biological properties. However, various factors such as bioresources, biomolecules, pH, temperatures and exposure time plays a significant role in the biosynthesis of crystalline microbe-assisted NPs. In this chapter, a comprehensive information about the biosynthesis of NPs using microbes including bacteria, fungi, and yeast is described. In addition, a view on the mechanism of action and their potential pharmacological benefits are discussed.