Mycogenic Nanoparticles as Novel Antimicrobial Agents

Microbial infections and colonization on surfaces of implants, grafts, or tissues are difficult to eliminate and in turn delay the post-surgical recovery. Biofilm-associated infection may result in tissue destruction that largely interferes with tissue regeneration and repair. Hereby, nanotechnology-driven solutions for infection control and biofilm inhibition have recently gained wide attention. In past decades, bacteria, algae, medicinal plants, have been successfully used for the fabrication of biogenic nanoparticles with exotic shapes and sizes. However, fungi-assisted synthesis of nanoparticles is considered as more advantageous due to the availability of a large amount of biomass and convenience in handling. This chapter, gives an elaborate account of the biogenic synthesis of silver, gold, selenium, copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles using several fungi such as Alternaria solani, Aspergillus clavatus, Beauveria bassiana, Bipolaris tetramera, Candida glabrata, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium expansum. Further, antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi is also discussed. Hence, there is a wider scope to fabricate nanocomposite, hydrogel, nanohybrids by combining the mycogenic nanoparticles with the antimicrobial agents in the matrix. Similarly, surface functionalization of the antibiotics (quinolones, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins), antimicrobial peptides and bioactive compounds on mycogenic nanoparticles can be effective in the treatment of chronic infection. However, it is important to find out the exact mechanism of action of the mycogenic nanomaterials and their safety before they can be introduced in the therapy.