Myconanotechnology: a new and emerging science.

Abstract

Myconanotechnology (myco = fungi, nanotechnology = the creation and exploitation of materials in the size range of 1-100 nm) is a new term that is proposed here for the first time. It is defined as the fabrication of nanoparticles by fungi and their subsequent application, particularly in medicine. This chapter focuses on the emergence of myconanotechnology as a new science for the synthesis of nanoparticles by using fungi, and considers some of the potential future applications and challenges in this area. There are a number of challenges that need to be undertaken before the potential of myconanotechnology can be fully evaluated, and these include determining the detailed chemical processes involved in the formation of the particles, and optimizing these to provide sufficient quantities of a consistent product that can be easily extracted or separated.