Biogenic Synthesis of Nanomaterials Using Diverse Microbial Nano-Factories

In recent years, nanotechnology has made integral contributions to the field of biomedicine, agriculture and environmental sciences. Innumerable multifunctional nanomaterials have been developed using physical and chemical techniques. However, there has emerged a need for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly synthesis processes to improve their biological applications. “Green synthesis” or biogenic synthesis is a bottom-up approach where biogenic nanomaterials are synthesized by utilizing matter of biological origin. One such approach employs the use of microbial organisms which encompass a broad range of living organisms including a variety of bacteria, algae, yeast, fungi, as well as virus which can be utilized to fabricate highly biocompatible, dynamic and well-defined nanostructures with multifaceted applications. This chapter discusses the mechanisms which enable microorganisms to behave like nano-factories and explores the role of various classes of microbes in the production of nano-materials with emphasis on recent investigations and advancements. It also aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the developmental challenges and future prospects presented by this novel approach.