Nanobioremediation: a novel technology with phenomenal clean up potential for a sustainable environment

Increasing population and global industrialization has led to environmental pollution which is considered a great threat to sound ecological system. Several remedial measures are proposed for effective cleanup of contaminated sites. Nanotechnology has gained a lot of importance in recent years because of its multiple applications in the field of medicines, textiles, cosmetics, sports, pharmaceuticals etc. Environmental remediation using nanotechnology is another remediation strategy aiming at reducing harmful impacts of pollutants on environment. Nanoparticles produced by biological entities such as yeast, bacteria, fungi, algae are referred to as biogenic nanoparticles. These biogenic nanoparticles have proven to be effective in removal of several pollutants such as heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceutical waste and hydrocarbon waste. The green technology brings together benefits of both nanotechnology and bioremediation together to achieve efficient, environmentally friendly and less time taking cleanup of polluted sites. The present study focuses on methodology, synthesis and application of microbial nanoparticles for environmental bioremediation.