Mycosynthesis of AgNPs: mechanisms of nanoparticle formation and antimicrobial activities
Mehran Alavi1,2, Morahem Ashengroph1
1Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
Introduction:
The inactivation and eradication of multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses by conventional antibiotics and drugs have not been effective. The hindering of these pathogens in hospital-acquired infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, particularly strains of S. aureus including community-acquired methicillin-resistant (CA-MRSA) and hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA), is more complicated, specifically in patients having immunodeficiency syndrome.
Research Area:
Bare and functionalized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) specifically silver (Ag) NPs have shown significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Biosynthesis of AgNPs by fungal species in media of cell-free filtrate and culture supernatant can provide new therapeutic properties compared to physical and chemical methods.
Expert Opinion:
Various primary and secondary metabolites of fungi such as phytochelatin, trichodin, primin, altersolanol A, periconicin A, brefeldin A, graphislactone A, phomol, polysaccharides (chitin, glucans, and galactomannans), and enzymes can contribute to reducing Ag+ ions and stabilizing NPs in one-pot method. These natural compounds can augment antimicrobial activity by bypassing multidrug-resistance barriers in viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Controlling physicochemical properties and effective therapeutic concentration of fungal AgNPs can be the determinative parameters for the antimicrobial strength of AgNPs. Therefore, in this review, we have tried to address the antimicrobial mechanisms and physicochemical properties of fungal synthesized AgNPs.
Insights
Fungal biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offers a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant pathogens. These AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, overcoming resistance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Mycology
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses pose significant challenges, especially in hospital-acquired infections and immunocompromised patients.
- Conventional antibiotics are increasingly ineffective against these resistant pathogens.
- Strains like methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) present a growing public health concern.
Approach:
- Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using fungal species offers a novel therapeutic approach.
- Fungal metabolites facilitate the reduction and stabilization of silver ions into nanoparticles.
- This green synthesis method provides an alternative to physical and chemical nanoparticle production.
Key Points:
- Fungal synthesized AgNPs demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities.
- Fungal metabolites can enhance AgNP efficacy by bypassing multidrug-resistance mechanisms.
- Physicochemical properties and therapeutic concentrations are critical for optimizing the antimicrobial strength of fungal AgNPs.
Conclusions:
- Fungal biosynthesis of AgNPs presents a viable strategy for combating multidrug-resistant infections.
- Further research into the antimicrobial mechanisms and properties of fungal AgNPs is warranted.
- This approach holds potential for developing new therapeutic agents against challenging pathogens.
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