2
T. K. Barik et al.
Keywords Advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology · Nanotoxicity ·
Nanopollution · Economic disruption · Security · Privacy · Health · Environment
1 Introduction
Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science and technology with numerous
applications in biomedical and manufacturing engineering [1–3]. In the last two
decades, nanotechnology integrates with mechanical and electronic engineering to
develop Micro/Nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) devices, which
have diverse applications in different fields of science and engineering. These devices
are potentially applicable for various sensing, actuating, and biomedical analysis
purposes [4–13]. Recently, quantum dots have increased much attention in biological
fields due to their unique size, tunable light absorption, and emission properties [14].
Further, biocompatible nanomaterials have many applications in biomedical purposes
such as orthopedic, cardiovascular, contact lenses, catheter, prosthetic replacement,
etc., [15–21]. Among noble metals, Ag and Au nanoparticles synthesis via marine
algae are used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent towards a variety of pathogens
in the biomedical field [22]. Nowadays, nanomaterials are produced by industries for
commercial applications with enormous benefits. While there lies a vast potential of
nanomaterials for fulfilling individual requirements, it also represents potential risks
to human health [23].
The green synthesis of nanoparticles attracts many researchers and industries.
Many microorganisms are utilized for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Biosynthesis
of nanoparticles has been reported using photoautotrophic microorganisms such as
cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and fungi. The biogenic fabrication of nanoparticles
via microalgae is a non-toxic, and eco-friendly, green chemistry method with a large
variety of compositions and physicochemical properties. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles by plant extracts is currently under exploitation. Plant extracts are a better
source of nanomaterials compared to the various biological processes often considered eco-friendly substitutes of chemical and physical methods [1, 17]. Seaweeds
contain different organic and inorganic substances that can benefit human health [24].
The green seaweed is used widely in agriculture, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and
nutraceutical industries for its presence of a high amount of vitamins and minerals
[25]. Among several genera of microalgae, Spirulina platensis is blue-green algae of
the cyanobacteria family grown in temperate water in the whole world. A blue-green
alga has served as food with high protein content and nutritional value from ancient
times [26]. The algae produce novel and potentially useful bioactive compounds [27,
28]. The bioactive materials have gained significant attention in recent years and have
been used considerably in developing new pharmaceutical products, food products,
renewable bio-energy, and biomedical applications [29–31]. However, a new global
health problem has been arisen as in discriminant antibiotic use and the remarkable
ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to lower these drugs’ effectiveness via genetic
T. K. Barik et al.
Keywords Advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology · Nanotoxicity ·
Nanopollution · Economic disruption · Security · Privacy · Health · Environment
1 Introduction
Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science and technology with numerous
applications in biomedical and manufacturing engineering [1–3]. In the last two
decades, nanotechnology integrates with mechanical and electronic engineering to
develop Micro/Nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) devices, which
have diverse applications in different fields of science and engineering. These devices
are potentially applicable for various sensing, actuating, and biomedical analysis
purposes [4–13]. Recently, quantum dots have increased much attention in biological
fields due to their unique size, tunable light absorption, and emission properties [14].
Further, biocompatible nanomaterials have many applications in biomedical purposes
such as orthopedic, cardiovascular, contact lenses, catheter, prosthetic replacement,
etc., [15–21]. Among noble metals, Ag and Au nanoparticles synthesis via marine
algae are used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent towards a variety of pathogens
in the biomedical field [22]. Nowadays, nanomaterials are produced by industries for
commercial applications with enormous benefits. While there lies a vast potential of
nanomaterials for fulfilling individual requirements, it also represents potential risks
to human health [23].
The green synthesis of nanoparticles attracts many researchers and industries.
Many microorganisms are utilized for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Biosynthesis
of nanoparticles has been reported using photoautotrophic microorganisms such as
cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and fungi. The biogenic fabrication of nanoparticles
via microalgae is a non-toxic, and eco-friendly, green chemistry method with a large
variety of compositions and physicochemical properties. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles by plant extracts is currently under exploitation. Plant extracts are a better
source of nanomaterials compared to the various biological processes often considered eco-friendly substitutes of chemical and physical methods [1, 17]. Seaweeds
contain different organic and inorganic substances that can benefit human health [24].
The green seaweed is used widely in agriculture, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and
nutraceutical industries for its presence of a high amount of vitamins and minerals
[25]. Among several genera of microalgae, Spirulina platensis is blue-green algae of
the cyanobacteria family grown in temperate water in the whole world. A blue-green
alga has served as food with high protein content and nutritional value from ancient
times [26]. The algae produce novel and potentially useful bioactive compounds [27,
28]. The bioactive materials have gained significant attention in recent years and have
been used considerably in developing new pharmaceutical products, food products,
renewable bio-energy, and biomedical applications [29–31]. However, a new global
health problem has been arisen as in discriminant antibiotic use and the remarkable
ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to lower these drugs’ effectiveness via genetic