Synthesis and processing of nanomaterials mediated by living beings.

Nanomaterials offer exciting properties and functionalities. However, their production and processing frequently involve complex methods, cumbersome equipments, harsh conditions and hazardous media. The capability of living beings to accomplish this purpose using mild conditions offers a sustainable, biocompatible and environmentally friendly alternative. Different nanomaterials such as metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, silica nanostructures or nanocellulose are increasingly being synthesized through living entities. Even more, the bionanofabrication potential enables also the in situ processing of nanomaterials inside biomatrices with unprecedented outcomes. The focus of this Minireview is to present a critical state-of-the-art vision of current nanofabrication approaches mediated by living entities (ranging from unicellular to higher organisms), in order to expand this knowledge and scrutinize future prospects. An efficient interfacial interaction at the nanoscale by green means is at reach through this approach.