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Vibrational Spectroscopy and Morphological Studies on Protein-Capped Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Enzo Victorino Hernandez Agressott1, Dominic Blätte2, Francisco Afrânio Cunha3,4
1Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, P.O. Box 6030, 65455-900 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|January 21, 2020
Summary
This study explored silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by fungi, revealing a protein-capping layer around the metallic core. Researchers investigated the layer
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are versatile nanomaterials with broad applications.
- Biological synthesis offers a green and biocompatible alternative to chemical methods for AgNP production.
- Fungi-based biosynthesis is an emerging eco-friendly approach for nanomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by *Rhodotorula glutinis* and *Rhodotorula mucilaginosa*.
- To characterize the protein-capping layer, its interaction with the Ag core, and its response to visible light.
- To analyze the structural and optical properties of biosynthesized AgNPs.
Main Methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for size and morphology.
- Photoluminescence spectroscopy, Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and dark-field spectroscopy for optical properties.
- Isolation and characterization of biosynthesized AgNPs from fungal cultures.
Main Results:
- AgNPs synthesized by *R. glutinis* averaged 58 nm (SEM) and 85 nm (AFM), while *R. mucilaginosa* yielded 30 nm (SEM) and 56 nm (AFM).
- Protein-capping layers measured 21 nm (*R. glutinis*) and 24 nm (*R. mucilaginosa*), with structures sensitive to disturbance and light.
- SERS indicated protein structures (α-helix, β-sheet), and dark-field microscopy confirmed stable Ag cores, though some were affected by laser energy.
Conclusions:
- Fungi *R. glutinis* and *R. mucilaginosa* can biosynthesize AgNPs with distinct core sizes and protein-capping layers.
- The protein-capping layer's structure is labile and influences the AgNPs' properties.
- Biosynthesized AgNPs possess stable metallic cores but exhibit sensitivity in their proteinaceous shells under specific conditions.
