Antimicrobial applications of mycogenic metal and metal oxide nanoparticles

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles (Mt NPs) using fungi as the reducing agent has economic and environmental benefits because of the increased yield and reduced eco-toxicity over chemical synthesis. The fast-growing fungi can be cultivated under controlled conditions to produce bioactive secondary molecules, enzymes, and proteins that facilitate the synthesis of Mt NPs. Mt NPs are coated with those bioactive molecules, which provide considerable biocompatibility and excellent antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial properties of Ag, Cu, Zn, Au, MgO, Fe, TiO2, and PbSe found on Mt NPs were of interest for agriculture and biomedical applications. To summarize recent reports on the synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial applications, and mechanisms of Mt nanoparticles fabricated via fungi, this book chapter presents the latest findings.