ISBN: 978-93-94174-14-6

Microbial Nanotechnology: Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Biomedical and Environmental Applications

Department of Biotechnology, St.Joseph's College (Arts & Science), Kundrathur Main Road, Kovur, Chennai, 600128, India

Microbial nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative interdisciplinary field that integrates microbiology, nanoscience, biotechnology, and materials engineering to develop environmentally sustainable nanomaterials with broad biomedical, environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Unlike conventional physical and chemical nanoparticle synthesis, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeasts synthesize nanoparticles under mild physiological conditions through eco-friendly biological processes. This chapter comprehensively reviews the principles of microbial nanotechnology, emphasizing the mechanisms underlying intracellular and extracellular nanoparticle biosynthesis and the diverse microbial systems employed for nanoparticle production. It discusses advanced characterization techniques used to determine the structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of biogenic nanoparticles, including spectroscopic, microscopic, and crystallographic methods. The biomedical applications of microbial nanoparticles are highlighted, particularly their antimicrobial, anticancer, drug delivery, and diagnostic potential, demonstrating their significant role in addressing antimicrobial resistance and improving targeted therapeutics. The chapter also examines the environmental applications of nanobiotechnology in wastewater treatment, heavy metal removal, pollutant degradation, and sustainable remediation. Furthermore, toxicological and biosafety considerations associated with nanoparticle exposure, environmental impact, and regulatory requirements are critically discussed. Recent advances in synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, metabolic engineering, and precision medicine are explored as transformative technologies driving next-generation microbial nanoparticle production and clinical translation. Finally, the chapter addresses challenges related to industrial scale-up, commercialization, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance while outlining future research priorities focused on sustainable manufacturing, personalized nanomedicine, and environmentally responsible innovation. Collectively, microbial nanotechnology represents a rapidly expanding frontier with immense potential to revolutionize medicine, environmental protection, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology through safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly nanoparticle production.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: lubnasadiyah@gmail.com

Cite this Chapter: Sabarish, R., 2026. Microbial Nanotechnology: Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. In: M. Prakash and N. Karmegam (Eds.), Microbial Technology for Biomedical and Environmental Applications. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 90-104. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-14-6_8