title: Seaweeds: A resource for marine bionanotechnology.
abstract: Marine bionanotechnology is one of the most promising areas of research in modern science and technology. Although there are multitude methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), there is an increasing attention in developing high-yield, low-cost, non-toxic and eco-friendly procedures. The vital advantages of greener synthesis are cost-effective, reduced usage of toxic chemicals and abundant availability of resources. During the last ten years, there have been many biological entities used to elevate novel, greener and affordable methods for the metal NPs synthesis. Rate of synthesis and stability are higher for plant material mediated NPs. However, in comparison with terrestrial resources, marine resources have not been fully explored for synthesis of noble metal NPs. Our present review is designed to speculate the importance of usage of vast marine resources and its mediated NPs synthesis, in particular seaweed-mediated NPs synthesis to overcome the limitations involved in physical and chemical methods. Finally, recent advancements in greener synthesis of metal NPs, their size, distribution, morphology and applications such as antimicrobial, antifouling and anticancer potentials are briefly described along with portraying the prospective scope of research in this field without any negative impact on the environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India. Electronic address: sriramkumar@bdu.ac.in.
authors.forename: Sri Ramkumar
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Vijayan
authors.affiliation: Research Institute, SRM University, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Prakash
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santhiyagu
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Ramasubburayan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramasamy
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Engineering, Daegu University, ​Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 712-714, South Korea.
authors.forename: Pugazhendhi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Arivalagan
authors.affiliation: Center for Materials Cycles and Waste Management Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan.
authors.forename: Gopalakrishnan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Directorate of Distance Education, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 004, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Kannapiran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ethiraj
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Babu Rajendran
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Ramaswamy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D001709:Biotechnology; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D006801:Humans; D008386:Marine Biology; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000648:ultrastructure; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000648:ultrastructure; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D012624:Seaweed / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials
keywords: Applications; Marine bionanotechnology; Marine resources; Nanoparticles; Seaweeds