Book excerpt: Nanobiotechnology: Microbes and Plant Assisted Synthesis of Nanoparticles, Mechanisms and Applications covers in detail the green synthesis of nanostructures of tailor-made size, shape and physico-chemical and opto-electronic properties. The rationale behind the selection of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, virus and medicinal plants for the synthesis of biologically active exotic nanoparticles for biomedical applications is also part of this book. It also explores metal recovery, bioconversion, detoxification and removal of heavy metals using nanobiotechnology and discusses the potential of nanobiotechnology to address environmental pollution and toxicity. The book further covers the economic and commercial aspects of such green nanobiotechnology initiatives, its current status in intellectual property rights like patents filed so far globally, technology transfers, and market potential. This information enables one to decipher the scope of biogenic nanoparticles and its prospects. - Provides an overview on the general and applied aspects on nanotechnology - Gives the scope of exploring bacteria, fungi, algae, virus and medicinal plants for the synthesis of exotic nanoparticles - Furnishes a comprehensive report on the underlying molecular mechanisms behind the biosynthesis of nanoparticles - Outlines sustainable alternative strategies of bioremediation of heavy metals, metal recovery, detoxification and bioconversion using nanobiotechnology - Explores the promises of patenting, technology transfer and commercialization potential of biogenic nanoparticles