Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Trichoderma species

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Trichoderma species are known for their biological activities.
• Biosynthesis of nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit significant antimicrobial and catalytic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen various Trichoderma species for their potential in synthesizing silver nanoparticles.
• To identify the optimal Trichoderma isolate for maximum AgNP production.
• To characterize the synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 75 Trichoderma isolates (T. asperellum, T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, T. pseudokoningii, T. virens) for AgNP synthesis.
• UV-Vis spectroscopy for monitoring nanoparticle synthesis and determining Plasmon band.
• High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for nanoparticle morphology and size analysis.
• Nitrate reductase activity assay to confirm the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0.

Main Results:

• All tested Trichoderma isolates produced silver nanoparticles.
• Trichoderma virens VN-11 exhibited the highest production rate.
• UV-Vis spectroscopy showed maximum Plasmon band intensity at 420 nm after 120 hours.
• HRTEM revealed AgNPs with sizes ranging from 8-60 nm, appearing as single or aggregated, round, and uniform particles.
• Nitrate reductase activity in VN-11 was 150 nmol/h/mL, confirming the reduction mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Trichoderma virens VN-11 is a highly efficient strain for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles.
• The study validates the use of fungal isolates for sustainable nanoparticle production.
• Characterized silver nanoparticles hold potential for various applications in medicine and industry.