Biological Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Fungi and Biogenic Sustainable Nanotherapeutics

Fungi, as eukaryotic organisms, possess unique biochemical capabilities that allow them to generate metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. By leveraging their natural enzymes and metabolic products, fungi can transform metal ions into stable nanoparticles with controlled sizes and morphologies. Conditions such as pH, temperature, duration of reaction, and fungal species, all play crucial roles in determining nanoparticle characteristics. These biologically produced nanoparticles exhibit properties that make them valuable in diverse fields, including healthcare, agriculture, textiles, and cosmetics, and provide antibacterial, therapeutic, and environmental benefits. Even though scalability and unpredictability are now issues, consistency and efficiency could be increased by combining fungal nanotechnology with resources like bioreactor systems and artificial intelligence. All things considered, the synthesis of nanoparticles from fungi is a creative and sustainable way to advance green nanotechnology in a variety of industries. This chapter outlines the biogenic synthesis of NPs utilizing macro- and micro-fungi components, the factors influencing their synthesis, and their applications within the pharmaceutical industry, with challenges, limitations, and the future scope for the effective synthesis of fungi-mediated nanoparticles with possible clinical translation.