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Biological entities such as green plants, fungi, and lichens are now a days persistently explored for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Lichen-based nanoparticles are also becoming increasingly popular owing to their biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. The lichen-based metal nanomaterials, particularly synthesized using green chemistry approaches, have turned out to be great substitutes to conventional antimicrobial therapies. Many scientific reports established the significant antimicrobial properties exhibited by the lichen nanoparticles. Therefore, the present mini-review summarizes an overview of lichen-based nanomaterials, their synthesis, their applications, and the molecular mechanism of their potential as broad spectrum antimicrobial agents for biomedical applications.

Lichenized fungi or lichens are believed to be one of the most inconspicuous living forms on the earth. The traditional knowledge of numerous benefits which lichens possess has been transcended over the centuries within and among the humans. All the different growth forms of lichens have been used by man in one way or the other. These find their use as source of different medicines, food, fodder, dye and as ingredients in perfumery. They are pioneers in ecological succession and also serve as indicators of pollution. Usnea longissima is a fruticose form of lichen that has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Scientific studies have proved that the pharmacological properties of the species are due to presence of several important secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites possess antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial activity and thus can be used for the control and treatment of several diseases. The present communication gives a review of the multifarious benefits associated with Usnea longissima along with the emphasis on its pharmacological properties.

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