Microbial Nanobionics: Volume 2, Basic Research and Applications: Nanotechnology in the Life Sciences

Microbial Nanobionics: Volume 2, Basic Research Applications continues the important discussion of microbial nanoparticle synthesis with a focus on the mechanistic approach of biosynthesis towards nanobionics. This volume also explores the toxicity of nanomaterials in microbes and their effect on human health and the environment. Special Emphasis is given to the use of polymeric nanomaterials in smart packing for the food industry and agricultural sector. The future of nanomaterials for detection of soil microbes and their interactions and tools for environmental remedies is also comprehensively covered.

The rich biodiversity of microbes make them excellent candidates for potential nanoparticle synthesis biofactories. Through a better understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of the microbial biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles, the rate of synthesis can be better developed and the monodispersity of the product can be enhanced. The characteristics of nanoparticles can be controlled via optimization of important parameters, such as temperature, pH, concentration and pressure, which  regulate microbe growth conditions and cellular and enzymatic activities. Large scale microbial synthesis of nanoparticles is a sustainable method due to the non-hazardous, non-toxic and economical nature of these processes.

The applications of microbial synthesis of nanoparticles are wide and varied, spanning the industrial, biomedical and environmental fields. Biomedical applications include improved and more targeted antimicrobials, biosensing, imaging and drug delivery. In the environmental fields, nanoparticles are used for bioremediation of diverse contaminants, water treatment, catalysis and production of clean energy. With the expected growth of microbial nanotechnology, this volume will serve as a comprehensive and timely reference.