A mini review on fungal based synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity Mohana Sriramulu and Shanmugam Sumathi* Department of Chemistry, School of advanced sciences, VIT University, Vellore- 632014, India Abstract : new green chemistry approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles based on myconanotechnology has been identified as one of the novel field of study in nanotechnology. Researchers have re-explored the fungi including yeast and filamentous fungi as eco-friendly, cost effective source for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The advantage and most notable benefits of applying fungi in nanoscience is resistance to many harsh conditions and secretion of extracellular reductive protein makes the downstream process easier. This review focuses on general introduction of fungi, synthesis of silver nanoparticles its physico-chemical characterization and its antimicrobial activity. Key words: Silver nanoparticles, Fungi, Biosynthesis, Antimicrobial activity, Eco-friendly. Introduction Nanotechnology Nanotechnology provide a platform to modify and develop the important properties of metal in the form of nanoparticles having promising applications in diagnostic, biomarkers, cell labelling, contrast agents for biological imaging, antimicrobial agents, drug delivery system and nano drugs for treatment of various disease 1 . Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary field that covers wide range of chemical, physical, biological, electrical and electronics engineering. Synthesis of nanoparticles can be carried out by two different approaches, either from the bottom up or top down 2 . The top down approach involves a physical or chemical process of breaking down larger particles of food matter into smaller particles of nanometers in dimensions 3 . Nanotechnology has maximized the applications by minimizing the size of particles. The unique size dependent properties make these materials superior and essential in many areas of human activity. Nanotechnology has numerous applications in various fields like medicine, food industries, agricultural fields etc 4 . Many environmental and technological challenges are being solved by nanoparticles of desired size and composition 5 . It is an important field of modern research dealing, synthesis and manipulation of particles structure ranging from approximately 1-100nm. Tremendous growth in this emerging technology including the synthesis of nanoscale materials and utilization of their exotic physic-chemical for optoelectronic properties inspired researcher to focus on this field. Nanotechnology provides a good platform for having promising applications in diagnostics, antimicrobial agents and drug delivery system 6 . In recent years there is an enormous growth in the interdisciplinary world of nanotechnology across the globe and emergence of its potential applications remains as a big revolution in the industry. The aim of developing nonmaterial for diagnosis, treatment prevention of various diseases and overall improvement of health for the beneficial of mankind 7 . International Journal of ChemTech Research CODEN (USA): IJCRGG, ISSN: 0974-4290, ISSN(Online):2455-9555 Vol.10 No.1 pp 367-377, 2017