Biogenic nanomaterial-microbe systems: a sustainable interface for enhanced and highly efficient pollutant degradation

Rising environmental pollutants have prompted the development of more sustainable cleaning methods. This review emphasizes the combined use of biogenic nanoparticles (BNPs) and microorganisms as an eco-friendly, innovative approach to degrading pollutants. It discusses the use of plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria to produce BNP safely, highlighting their benefits, including low toxicity, affordability, and scalability. Thanks to their unique properties, such as high surface area, catalytic activity, and controlled composition, these BNPs are highly effective at degrading heavy metals, organic dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Microorganisms play a vital role in this green technology by aiding BNP production through enzymatic reduction or stabilization. BNPs can enhance microbial metabolism by mediating electron transfer, supporting enzyme cofactors, or sequestering substances. This synergistic effect boosts degradation rates and aids microorganisms’ survival in challenging environments. For instance, biofilms containing BNPs serve as efficient sites for pollutant adsorption and enzymatic breakdown. NPs-microbe hybrids facilitate direct degradation of pollutants within biofilms through redox reactions, thereby detoxifying organic pollutants. This review details the roles of BNPs in photocatalysis and enzymatic processes, highlighting their importance in integrated remediation strategies. It features case studies such as arsenic removal with Fe2O3 BNPs, dye decolorization using fungi-produced AgNPs, and hydrocarbon breakdown via bacterial NP-based composites. The discussion covers factors affecting efficiency, pH, temperature, and NP concentration relevant for field deployment. Challenges addressed include environmental interactions, temporal stability, and ecotoxicity risks. Using the natural properties of green nanomaterials and microbial ecosystems supports circular-economy principles, providing scalable, sustainable solutions to pollution worldwide.