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Mycosynthesis of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles—Fungal Metal Resistance and Mechanisms of Synthesis

Summary

This research explores how fungi can be used to produce metal-containing nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly way. Instead of using harsh chemicals and high energy processes, fungi can naturally create and stabilize nanoparticles through their normal biological processes. This has important implications for developing more sustainable manufacturing methods. Key impacts on everyday life: – More environmentally friendly production of nanoparticles used in consumer products – Potential for new medical treatments using biologically-produced nanoparticles – Development of more sustainable industrial processes – Improved agricultural applications using naturally-derived nanomaterials – Reduced environmental impact from nanoparticle manufacturing

Background

Nanomaterials play an increasingly important role in modern applications across many sectors. While conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods exist, they often require toxic chemicals and high energy inputs. Mycosynthesis – the production of nanoparticles using fungi – has emerged as a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative. Understanding how fungi interact with and process metals is key to optimizing these biosynthetic processes.

Objective

This review investigates the relationship between fungal metal resistance mechanisms and nanoparticle synthesis, examining how fungal strategies for handling metals contribute to the formation of metal-containing nanoparticles. The review aims to elucidate the roles of different synthesis conditions and fungal biomolecules that act as nucleation centers, reducing agents, and capping agents in the nanoparticle synthesis process.

Results

The review found that fungi employ multiple strategies to handle metals including chelation, biomineral formation, biosorption, compartmentalization, and metal efflux. These mechanisms directly contribute to nanoparticle formation. Various biomolecules including enzymes, proteins, amino acids and polysaccharides play key roles in reducing metal ions and stabilizing nanoparticles. Synthesis conditions significantly affect nanoparticle size, shape and stability.

Conclusion

Mycosynthesis shows promise as an environmentally friendly method for producing metal-containing nanoparticles, though optimization is still needed for commercial scale production. Future research should focus on better understanding synthesis mechanisms and the influence of different conditions on nanoparticle formation. The synergistic effects between inorganic nanoparticle cores and organic fungal capping agents may enable novel applications.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms232214084
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