Synthesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms

Nanotechnology is the study of phenomena exhibited by materials at the atomic and molecular level of dimensions ranging from a few nanometers to less than hundred nanometers. The total global demand for nanoscale materials, tools and devices was estimated at nearly $7.5 billion in 2003 and is expected to reach $28.7 billion in 2008, at an average annual growth rate of 30.6%. There is an ever-growing need to develop clean, nontoxic, and environmentally benign synthesis procedures. In this regard the use of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and their applications holds immense potential. It is widely accepted that strains of microorganisms that can tolerate heavy metal stress may be potential biofactories for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. At TERI, researchers have identified isolates of mycorrhizal fungi, other fungi and bacteria that are reported to tolerate and accumulate high levels of various heavy metals. The present proposal envisages the use of these efficient microbial strains for the synthesis of nanosized materials. The suitable isolates will be screened and subsequently tested for synthesis of nanaparticles and finally isolate specific processes will be developed for synthesis, detection and recovery of novel metal nanoparticles.