An Overview on the Production of Microbial Copper Nanoparticles by Bacteria, Fungi and Algae
Bionanotechnology is an emerging field, which involves multidisciplinary areas such as engineering, chemistry, biology, among others. Bionanotechnology encompasses the production of organic and inorganic nanomaterials by living organisms such as vegetable, animal and microbial cells. In this sense, the microbial productions of metallic nanoparticles have drawn much attention mainly due to their alignment with the principles and concepts of green chemistry (no need for organic solvent). A wide diversity of biological organisms, such as bacteria, lichens, fungi, yeasts and algae, produce metallic nanoparticles. This mini-review specifically highlights the main keys to the production of copper nanoparticles by bacteria and fungi. In addition, this report indicates the lack of knowledge on the production of copper nanoparticles by algae, as well as the purification and application of metallic nanoparticles.
