Actinomycetes: Its Realm in Nanotechnology

Abstract

The development of the eco-friendly procedures for the synthesis of nanoparticles has been thoroughly investigated in the field of nanotechnology. Biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles has been well achieved by different microorganisms including actinomycetes. They are a fascinating group of Gram-positive fungi-like bacteria with diverse biological activities and are considered as eco-friendly nano-factories for nanoparticle synthesis. Organism isolation from various sources and synthesis of nanoparticles follow characterization through different analytical methods for their stability, significant biocidal activity and anticancer properties. Regardless of the actinomycete potent activity, the quantity of metal nanoparticle synthesized never meets industrial needs. Thus by spading in in vitro studies, it may bridge towards the large-scale production of metal nanoparticle through bioprocess optimization and biological overexpression. This chapter focuses on the biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their application in medicine. In addition, the toxicity of these biogenic metal nanoparticles to human beings and environment is also included.