Metal nanoparticles and their toxicity impacts on microorganisms

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained considerable attention for their diverse applications across various fields, including medicine, electronics, and environmental remediation, agriculture and manufacturing. The relationship between metal nanoparticles and the microorganisms, highlighting the diverse mechanisms through which nanotoxicity manifests and influences microbial communities. Metal nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, can interact with the microbiome directly or indirectly, disrupting microbial homeostasis and functionality. The interactions are complex, involving mechanisms such as membrane disorganization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and oxidative Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage. Comprehending the different types of metal nanoparticles, their antimicrobial properties, and the mechanisms that underlie their nanotoxicity towards microorganisms is imperative for the secure advancement and implementation of nanotechnology, paving the way for innovative strategies to mitigate adverse effects and promote sustainable nanomaterial applications. Nanotechnology has witnessed remarkable advancements in various fields, yet concerns regarding its potential adverse effects on biological systems, particularly the microbiome, have emerged as a significant area of investigation. This abstract highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approaches encompassing nanoscience, microbiology, and toxicology to unravel the intricate dynamics of metal nanoparticle-microbes’ interactions and facilitate the design of safer nanoproducts for diverse applications. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for more investigation to clarify the complex dynamics of metal nanoparticles in microbial environments and their long-term effects on sustainability and environmental health.