Actinomycetes as Agents of Nanobioremediation: A Minireview

Abstract

Actinomycetes are a special class of organisms with diverse morphological, social, biochemical, and physiological traits. They are Gram-positive microbes that produce spores and can inhabit harsh environments. Actinomycetes are also known for producing diverse metabolites, especially antibiotics, which have been useful in the health and pharmaceutical industries over the years. However, the application of actinomycetes transcends those sectors; they also have great potential for use in environmental management. Environmental pollution is a great menace that has been a source of concern for most countries of the world. The reason is not far-fetched; there has been a geometric rise in human population, leading to a continuous increase in energy demand. Although countries are beginning to embrace renewable energy, several countries still depend on crude oil as an energy source. The diverse processing of crude oil, from its exploration to transportation of finished products, releases toxic pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals into the environment. Therefore, this review studied existing literature to understand the distinct characteristics of actinomycetes that make them potentially important in restoring polluted sites. The study also seeks to highlight the synthesis of nanoparticles from actinomycetes and how such products can be optimized for enhanced environmental applications.