Microalgae-Based Nanoparticles and Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Multidisciplinary research such as nanotechnology has gained its attraction for decades in order to develop modern tools to address problems related to health. Nanoparticles (NP) are synthesized using different methods; among them green synthesis is cost-effective and nontoxic. In recent times, microalgae are being used as a bio-factory for synthesis of nanoparticles since they are a renewable source. Biocomposites of microalgae act as a capping agent and have beneficial properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. There are several reports for synthesis of metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles from microalgae with antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Additionally, biocomposites synthesized from polysaccharides and proteins of microalgae have been exploited for different applications. Thus, NP and biocomposites with their devastating properties are tremendously attracted to explore in biomedical field. Besides, the global challenge in medical field is the increased use of antibiotics that has created the multidrug resistance among pathogenic microbes. Microbes exhibit different mechanism to overcome the effect of antibiotics, and if no measures are taken, it might lead to 10 million deaths per year by 2050. Hence, new technologies and methodologies are being developed to combat the resistance. As a result of consequences, biocomposites and nanoparticles from microalgae can be used to develop biological devices to control and prevent antimicrobial resistance.