Biogenic Nanoparticles and Green Nanocomposites as Sustainable Antimicrobial Strategies Against Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses

Amjid Khan; Rashid Abbas Khan; Muhammad Anas; Tauqeer Ahmed Qadri; Bushra Ashiq; Tahira Younis; Nadeem Ullah; Amir Muhammad Khan; Zahida Nasreen; Zabta Khan Shinwari

doi:10.25159/3005-2602/20247

Authors

Amjid Khan University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5475-5156
Rashid Abbas Khan Prince of Songkla University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5438-6274
Muhammad Anas Quaid-i-Azam University
Tauqeer Ahmed Qadri COMSATS University Islamabad https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2128-1633
Bushra Ashiq Taiyuan University of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2975-3121
Tahira Younis Quaid-i-Azam University
Nadeem Ullah Quaid-i-Azam University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5311-310X
Amir Muhammad Khan University of Sargodha
Zahida Nasreen University of Mianwali https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0995-5041
Zabta Khan Shinwari Quaid-i-Azam University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/3005-2602/20247

Keywords:

nanoparticles, nanocomposites, antimicrobial resistance, nanomedicine, sustainable materials

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology, specifically the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale (1–100 nm), has gained significant attention owing to its diverse applications in biotechnology, nanomedicine and environmental sustainability. While nanoparticles synthesised using green methods such as plants, fungi and bacteria offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional nanoparticles, green composite nanomaterials, which integrate biogenic nanoparticles with natural polymers or fibres, provide enhanced stability, controlled release and multifunctional antimicrobial properties. For instance, silver nanoparticle–chitosan composites have been successfully applied in wound dressings and food packaging, demonstrating real-world applications. These green composites exhibit antimicrobial activity through mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation, membrane disruption, ion release and biofilm inhibition. This review discusses methods for synthesising both green nanoparticles and composites, their antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, fungi and viruses, and practical applications in the medical, agricultural and environmental sectors. Challenges related to toxicity, scalability and environmental impact are also highlighted. Overall, green composite nanomaterials represent a sustainable and effective strategy for combating microbial resistance and promoting global health.

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