The role of Bacillus species in the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and their biomedical applications: A mini review

The biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MtNPs) has increased greatly in the last few decades. Nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized via different approaches like chemical and physical methods. However various drawbacks such as higher cost, high energy requirement, and the use of toxic chemicals limit the use of these approaches. It is thus important to look for an alternative method for the development of MtNPs. One such method, which has gained the most attention in recent years, is the bio-fabrication of MtNPs using microorganism like bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and viruses. Amongst the microorganism used for NPs synthesis, bacteria are the most preferred candidate due to their diversity and better growth control. In this context, the present article concerns with association of genus bacillus with metal and metal oxide NPs. The current review thoroughly summarizes the mechanisms involved in the synthesis of MtNPs and their biomedical applications. The review also explains the major drawbacks associated with the synthesis of NPs via bacillus spp as well as the future prospects.