Biosurfactant Mediated Biosynthesis of Selected Metallic Nanoparticles

Abstract

Developing a reliable experimental protocol for the synthesis of nanomaterials is one of the challenging topics in current nanotechnology particularly in the context of the recent drive to promote green technologies in their synthesis. The increasing need to develop clean, nontoxic and environmentally safe production processes for nanoparticles to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste and increase energy efficiency has become essential in this field. Consequently, recent studies on the use of microorganisms in the synthesis of selected nanoparticles are gaining increased interest as they represent an exciting area of research with considerable development potential. Microorganisms are known to be capable of synthesizing inorganic molecules that are deposited either intra- or extracellularly. This review presents a brief overview of current research on the use of biosurfactants in the biosynthesis of selected metallic nanoparticles and their potential importance.

Agro-Industrial Wastes for Production of Biosurfactant by Bacillus subtilis ANR 88 and Its Application in Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles

“…There is considerable interest in biosurfactant mediated nanoparticles synthesis as it is thought to be environmentally benign process (Plaza et al, 2014). Mukherjee et al (2002) and Ahmad et al (2003) have reported the biological synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using microorganisms intracellularly and extracellularly.…”

“…Nanoparticles are usually synthesized by physicochemical methods that involve the use of high pressure, temperature and energy; as suggested by Plaza et al (2014) the synthesis of nanoparticles using chemical methods are usually associated with the formation of toxic by-products. Therefore, the use of biosurfactants/biological materials for synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles is gaining importance since the last decade (Kasture et al, 2008; Kumar C. G. et al, 2010).…”

Production of a sophorolipid biosurfactant by Wickerhamomyces anomalus MUE24 and its use for modification of rice flour properties

“…The result showed that extraction from whole cell-containing culture in batch-fermentation at 72 h gave the highest biosurfactant yield of 34.06 g/l. The increase in the yield may be due to the combined amounts of biosurfactant extracellularly, intracellularly as well as on the cell surface, leading to a high level of biosurfactant detected [24].…”

Lipopeptides: Biosynthesis and Applications

“…According to Plaza et al [47] Lipopeptide biosurfactants can also be used in the synthesis of nanoparticles. According to Reddy et al [48] Surfactin can be used as both the template and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles.…”