Microbial Syntheses of Metallic Sulfide Nanoparticles: An Overview

This review presents the advantages of biogenic synthesis of metallic sulfide nanoparticles, compared to chemical synthesis processes. The impact of biogenically synthesized sulfide nanoparticles is discussed from ecological point of view. This review also discusses the morphological characteristics and mechanistic aspects of sulfide nanoparticles synthesized by the biogenic process. By revising recent publications, it is evident that it would be a great advantage to use a nonpathogenic biological system to produce sulfide nanoparticles for commercialization purposes. This new area of nanobiotechnological processes is more attractive compared to traditional physical and chemical methods of nanoparticles synthesis, since microbial biosynthesis of nanoparticles does not involve hazardous chemicals and it is considered to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach.