Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Extremophilic Microbes and their Potential Agricultural Applications

Extremophiles are an enigmatic group of microbes that can withstand diverse stress environmental conditions viz. pH (acidophilic, alkalophile), pressure (piezophiles), temperature (thermophiles/hyperthermophiles) etc. Extremophiles fit into the archaebacteria group, though they belong to other domains of bacteria and eukaryotes. The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using extremophilic microbes is a swift and environment-friendly technique compared to other physical, chemical, as well as biological methods. The first section of this review highlights the latest inventions in the production of various metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, copper, and lead), oxide NPs, sulphide NPs etc. using extremophilic microbes. During extreme physiological conditions, extremophilic microorganisms contribute to increased crop production and survivability. Nanomaterials subsidize as a potential carrier for fertilizers as well as pesticides which play a major role in crop protection. Nano-sensors are also useful in the area of crop protection against various plant pathogens as well as pesticide detection. The main challenge is to bring these nano-based technologies to a commercial level so that farmers can use them for increasing food production and yield. Additionally, scalability and cost-effectiveness are essential considerations to facilitate the widespread implementation of these technologies.