Algae and microalgae mediated synthesis of iron nanoparticles and their applications

Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique properties and great potential for various applications. Physical and chemical methods are conventionally used for synthesis of FeNPs. These methods employ toxic chemicals and organic solvents and usually are performed at harsh conditions. Hence, there is an increasing demand to develop sustainable methods for synthesis of FeNPs. Biosynthesis is emerging as a green approach to alleviate the environmental and economic disadvantages of the traditional techniques. Since now, various organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants have been used for FeNPs fabrication with no or limited attention to algae and microalgae. While, these organisms are wealthy sources of bioactive compounds which can be used in biosynthesis of FeNPs in a non-toxic, cost-effective, ecofriendly, and facile manner. The present work summarizes algae and microalgae as potential biofactories for the synthesis of iron-based nanoparticles and their potential applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation.