<p class="first" id="d21161986e69">The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using
living cells is a promising and novelty
tool in bionanotechnology. Chemical and physical methods are used to synthesize NPs;
however, biological methods are preferred due to its eco-friendly, clean, safe, cost-effective,
easy, and effective sources for high productivity and purity. High pressure or temperature
is not required for the green synthesis of NPs, and the use of toxic and hazardous
substances and the addition of external reducing, stabilizing, or capping agents are
avoided. Intra- or extracellular biosynthesis of NPs can be achieved by numerous biological
entities including bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, actinomycetes, and plant extracts.
Recently, numerous methods are used to increase the productivity of nanoparticles
with variable size, shape, and stability. The different mechanical, optical, magnetic,
and chemical properties of NPs have been related to their shape, size, surface charge,
and surface area. Detection and characterization of biosynthesized NPs are conducted
using different techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, AFM, DLS,
XRD, zeta potential analyses, etc. NPs synthesized by the green approach can be incorporated
into different biotechnological fields as antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant
agents; as a control for phytopathogens; and as bioremediative factors, and they are
also used in the food and textile industries, in smart agriculture, and in wastewater
treatment. This review will address biological entities that can be used for the green
synthesis of NPs and their prospects for biotechnological applications.
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