Recent advances in microbes-mediated biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles

Abstract:

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess unique optical and electrochemical properties, thus they have been used in various fields such as information storage, chemical sensing, medical imaging, drug delivery and biological labeling. In recent years, microbes-mediated biosynthesis of AuNPs has attracted broad attention due to the nontoxic and eco-friendly nature. Various microorganisms such as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi and viruses can produce AuNPs. The characteristics, synthesis mechanisms and potential applications of biogenic AuNPs are summarized, and the future research trends on biogenic AuNPs are also prospected.