Effect of nanomaterials on microbial metabolism and their applications in fermentative hydrogen production: A review

Recent developments in nanomaterial-microbe hybrid systems have combined the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials with the biocatalytic capabilities of microorganisms. These hybrid systems have seen extensive use in energy production, particularly in enhancing hydrogen generation. Researchers have incorporated nanomaterials into microbial cultures, achieving significant improvements in the hydrogen production efficiency of microbes across various environments and bacterial strains. However, challenges such as the biological toxicity of nanomaterials pose obstacles to their broader application in microbial energy production. This review examines the effects of nanomaterials on microorganisms, focusing on both their positive and negative effects on microbial growth and metabolism. It also summarizes the applications of nanomaterials in microbial fermentation for hydrogen production. Additionally, it highlights the importance of understanding and balancing these effects when introducing nanomaterials, offering guidance for developing more efficient nanomaterial-microbial hybrid hydrogen production systems.