Biological Synthesis of Nanoparticles from Plants and Microorganisms

Trends Biotechnol. 2016 Jul;34(7):588-599. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.02.006. Epub 2016 Mar 2.

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become one of the most promising technologies applied in all areas of science. Metal nanoparticles produced by nanotechnology have received global attention due to their extensive applications in the biomedical and physiochemical fields. Recently, synthesizing metal nanoparticles using microorganisms and plants has been extensively studied and has been recognized as a green and efficient way for further exploiting microorganisms as convenient nanofactories. Here, we explore and detail the potential uses of various biological sources for nanoparticle synthesis and the application of those nanoparticles. Furthermore, we highlight recent milestones achieved for the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles by controlling critical parameters, including the choice of biological source, incubation period, pH, and temperature.

Keywords: action mechanism; applications; biological synthesis; microorganisms and plants; nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / metabolism*
  • Metabolic Engineering / methods*
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Plants / genetics
  • Plants / metabolism*