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25 Nanobiotechnology – A Green Solution

and biopolymeric materials, whereas quantum dots, nanotemplates, cell on a

chip are the outcomes of nanobiotechnology. Chitosan, the deacetylated form of

chitin, derived from crustacean’s shells, is a unique biocompatible, biodegradable

natural polymer finding extensive applications in nanobiotechnology researches.

Zero-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials with chitosan, e.g. chitosan with

carbon dots, chitosan with quantum dots, different biomarkers and biosensors

signify the role of nanobiotechnology in “green research,” and waste management

[35]. Agricultural wastes generated in huge amounts in different farming processes

and their irresponsible disposal contribute significantly to environmental pollu-

tions. Proper recycling and reuse of wastes and conversion of wastes to “value-added

products” are essential for a sustainable future. Eggshell is an agrowaste and being

considered useless and discarded elsewhere. But this eggshell has a potential

source of producing hydroxyapatite, a major component of bone and teeth. By

eco-friendly process eggshell can be transformed to hydroxyapatite and nano

hydroxyapatite having applications in bone repair and tissue regeneration. Such

nanobiotechnology-based research will help in the development of biomaterials

applicable in regenerative medicine, surgery, tissue engineering from discarded

wastes and aids significantly in waste management [36]. Nanobiotechnology also

aids in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using biological entities,

e.g. microorganisms. Plants and microorganisms have the ability to accumulate

and absorb metallic ions from the surrounding and thus contribute significantly

in reducing environmental pollution hazards. Such ability of microorganisms

find applications in bioremediation and bioleaching. Synthesizing nanoparticles

utilizing plants and microorganisms is a “green procedure.” Nanobiotechnology

exploits the inherent ability of the microorganisms and their biochemical processes,

i.e. enzymatic activities to transform inorganic metallic ions to metal nanoparti-

cles. Microorganisms have the ability to interact with the environment and their

lipid-based membranes enable them to take part in different redox reactions and

in bioconversion process. Depending on the degree of biochemical processing

capabilities, bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and actinomycetes find significant roles

in the synthesis of nanoparticles. However, synthesis of plant-based nanoparticles

using either plant extracts or isolated plant bioactives is considered to be much

cost effective and convenient rather than use of microorganisms since the use of

microbes requires well-maintained culture preparation and isolation techniques.

Microorganisms such as actinomycetes, Chlorella vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Pseu-

domonas aeruginosa, etc. find applications in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles

of gold, silver, cadmium, etc. [37].

In the context of discussion, mention is to be made of a new branch of bioscience,

“Bioeconomy” that encompasses multidisciplinary technological knowledge from

different branches of engineering, chemistry, biology, computer science, etc. Bioe-

conomy focuses on biological value of materials including organic waste. It refers

to eco-friendly production, cost-effectivity, energy conservation, and conversion of

biomass to a range of products in food, medicine, and other industrial products

for future sustainability, social well-being, and a green planet. The broad-based

enabling technology, the “bionanotechnology” and its nanoscale versatile products,