Synthesis of Nanoparticles in Biofilms

Abstract

Nanoparticles are of great interest in material science due to their characteristics, such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and unique optical properties. Within the search for more ecological and efficient pathways to synthesize nanoparticles, there is a special interest in the synthesis of bacterial biofilms. Biofilms are self-organized communities of homogeneous or heterogeneous microorganisms that grow on a surface. Naturally, bacteria organize themselves by forming biofilms as a survival mechanism, which is why they are found in different ecosystems. Synthesis of nanoparticles assisted by biofilms is exceptionally a particular methodology in which it is possible to produce nanoparticles with high purity, selectivity, and uniformity, taking advantage of in vivo synthesis. Some of the recent findings in the synthesis of nanoparticles by using biofilms have been focused on the synthesis, mechanism, and stabilization, in which the stabilization represents one of the most critical factors. From a biological point of view, the use of nanoparticles synthetized by using biofilm represents an innovator and direct practical application especially in drug delivery and biocatalysis. In this chapter, a general description of nanoparticles and their different synthesis routes are made, as well as basic concepts of biofilms and their formation processes, to finally present in detail the method of synthesis of nanoparticles into biofilms and their applications. In this order, the first part of the chapter will focus on concepts and methodologies to synthetize nanoparticles, followed by a general description of biofilms. In the third part, an introduction about synthesis of nanoparticles assisted by biofilms will be present. Finally, general applications (agriculture, medicine, and catalysis) will be discussed.