Nanotechnology for bioremediation of heavy metals

Abstract

Nanotechnology, a highly promising discipline in science and technology is the emerging and novel trend that will redesign the future of several existing knowhow, which will change every aspect of our lives and lead to the generation of uniqueness in all the streams of technology. The current revolution in nanoscience is brought about by the concomitant development of several advances in technology. Nanotechnology applies the techniques and processes of microfabrication to build devices for studying bio-systems and has a wide range of applications in variety of fields from space science to deep oceanic research (Vincent 2003). Noria Taniguchi used the term Nanotechnology while measuring precise machining tolerances of materials in the range of 0.1-100 nanometer (Bhat 2003). Biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles using microbes, such as bacteria, yeasts, algae, actinnomycetes and fungi, is gaining momentum due to the ecofriendly nature of the organisms which reduce toxic chemicals (Muralisastry et al. 2003). Metal-microbe interaction is very important in several biotechnological applications, including in the fields of biomineralization, bioremediation, bioleaching, and microbial corrosion (Joerger et al. 2001). Nano materials, besides providing new research challenges, form the basis of a new class of atomically engineered materials. Confluence of environmental biotechnology and nanotechnology will lead to the most exciting progress in the development of nano-devices having bio-capabilities in novel metal remediation strategies. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.