Recent trends in microbial nanoparticle synthesis and potential application in environmental technology: a comprehensive review

Microbial technology comprising environment in various aspects of pollution monitoring, treatment of pollutants, and energy generation has been put forth by the researchers worldwide in an eco-friendly manner. During the past few decades, this revolution has pronounced microbial cells in green nanotechnology, extending the scope, efficiency, and investment capita at research institutes, industries, and global markets. In the present review, initially, the source for the microbial synthesis of nanoparticles will be discussed involving bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, microalgae, and viruses. Further, the mechanism and bio-components of microbial cells such as enzymes, proteins, peptides, amino-acids, exopolysaccharides, and others involved in the bio-reduction of metal ions to corresponding metal nanoparticles will be emphasized. The biosynthesized nanoparticles physicochemical properties and bio-reduction methods’ advantages compared with synthetic methods will be detailed. To understand the suitability of biosynthesized nanoparticles in a wide range of applications, an overview of its blend of medicine, agriculture, and electronics will be discussed. This will be geared up with its applications specific to environmental aspects such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, green-energy production, and pollution monitoring. Towards the end of the review, nano-waste management and limitations, i.e., void gaps that tend to impede the application of biosynthesized nanoparticles and microbial-based nanoparticles’ prospects, will be deliberated. Thus, the review would claim to be worthy of unwrapping microorganisms sustainability in the emerging field of green nanotechnology.