Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using lichens and their biological applications

This chapter reports the views on the synthesis, properties, and applications of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) prepared using lichens. Due to their nanosize and high surface area, NPs have unique biological, physical, and chemical properties. Lichens represent a promising source of secondary metabolites serving as reducing and capping agents. This fact leads to an increasing interest in the synthesis of various metallic (including silver, gold, copper, or magnesium) or metal oxide NPs using lichens.