Nanoparticle-Microbe Interactions in Biofuel Fermentation: Current Understanding and Prospective Applications

Abstract

The unique properties of nanomaterials enable them to unexpectedly interact with biological systems, which play a critical role in the biodegradation of organic waste and accelerate the metabolic activities of biofuel-producing microorganisms. The present perspective illuminates the studies conducted for fermentative systems for biofuel production (FSBP) intensified with acquired catalytic activities of various nanomaterials. It discusses the recent nanoparticleengineering-based development which includes the development of nanomaterials exhibiting a biocompatible, conductive, balanced zeta potential etc., which substantially determines the nanomaterials-microorganism interactions. Further, it highlights functionalized nanoparticles applicable for FSBP, where a wide variety of nanomaterials, including metal oxides, composite metal oxides, carbon-based nanomaterials, etc., have been explored to improve biofuel production.The applicability of functionalized nanoparticles in the production of biohydrogen, biomethane, bioethanol, and other hydrocarbon fuels is presented. Different types of nanoparticles and their possible functional mechanism are highlighted. Finally, the remarks on future perspectives for functionalized nanoparticles in FSBP are also discussed.