Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activities

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used in biomedical applications, especially diagnostic and drug delivery. The antibacterial activity of nanoparticles depends on the dimensions of the particles. AuNPs may associate with the surface of the cell membrane and cause disorder such as respiration and permeability. The method of binding of particles for bacteria depends on their surface available for interaction. Smaller particles which have the larger surface area available for interaction will show better bactericidal effect than the larger particles. Useful antibacterial agents should also be toxic to various pathogenic bacteria with the ability to coat different surfaces like biomaterials, devices, textiles, food packaging, and so on. The biological and physiochemical properties of synthesized AuNPs have impact on the use of gold nanoparticles like antimicrobial agents, especially for water purification, as well as other biomedical applications.