OICC Press International Nano Letters 2228-5326 15 1 2026 03 31 Insight Mechanistic of Metal Nanoparticle–microbe Interactions: A Review 10.57647/inl.2025.1401.01 EN Amardeep Singh Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India Namita Basnal CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India Swati Singh Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India Shailendra Singh Gaurav Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India Dharmendra Pratap Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India Gyanika Shukla Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut (UP), India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4161-6763 Journal Article 2026 03 31 The modern era has accepted the significance of nanomaterials and their exploitation for the advancement of several disciplines. In view of the increasing applications and demand of nanomaterials, numerous techniques for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) mediated by several means have been discovered, synthesis mediated by microorganisms being one of the most feasible ones. NPs have emerged as efficient drug carriers and as potential antimicrobials against existing diseases as a result of their interactions with microorganisms. The antimicrobial effect of biosynthetic NPs is contributed by the action of reactive oxygen species augmented by the capping agents that get adhered to the surface of NPs during the biosynthesis process. The present review discusses the use of various microorganisms for the biosynthesis of metal NPs through varied mechanisms that take place when microbes interact with aqueous solutions of metals. Furthermore, it aims to address the mechanistic insight into the metal nanoparticle-microbe interactions as potential antimicrobials. At the same time, it demonstrates the necessity of adopting a multidisciplinary approach for the exploitation of microbe-nanoparticle interactions in diverse plant species against a plethora of microbes affecting them. Highlights ·       The review emphasizes the use of microorganisms to synthesize metal nanoparticles in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. This approach serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods, reducing ecological harm and resource use. ·       It provides in-depth insights into the enzymatic processes driving nanoparticle formation, particularly highlighting the role of nitrate reductase. This enzyme facilitates the reduction of metal ions into nanoparticles, offering a clearer understanding of the biosynthesis mechanisms. ·       The manuscript showcases the potent antimicrobial properties of these biosynthesized nanoparticles. They are effective against a wide range of plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them valuable for plant disease management. ·       It discusses the need to investigate less phytotoxic metal nanoparticles, such as those made from zinc or iron. This shift aims to address environmental and safety concerns associated with the more commonly used silver nanoparticles, which can pose toxicity risks. The review advocates for a collaborative framework that integrates nanotechnology, microbiology, and plant science. This multidisciplinary approach is essential to fully understand and harness the potential of nanoparticle-microbe interactions