Microalgal Nanobiotechnology and its Applications- A brief Overview

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology is an emerging science concerned with the integration of biological principles with nanotechnology to improve the strategies for nanoparticles synthesis and applications. Various biological routes have been adopted for the synthesis of nanoparticles such as the use of plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, algae, and metabolites of arthropods. Among these, microalgae have attracted special attention in nanobiotechnology because they are capable of bioremediating toxic metals and subsequently convert them to non-toxic form. Many microalgal species have been used for the synthesis of nanoparticles of silver, gold, iron, platinum, and palladium. The mechanism of nanoparticles formation by microalgae is not clearly understood; however, there exists several reports of synthesis either through intracellular or extracellular pathways. Intracellular synthesis of nanoparticles by microalgae seems to be better due to their high rate of metal accumulation and ability to form large amount of nanoparticles, whereas extracellular mode of synthesis is most preferred because of the simplicity in the purification process. This review summarized the modes of metallic nanoparticles synthesis by various species of microalgae and their potential applications.