Characterization of Mn₃ O₄ -MnO₂ nanocomposites biosynthesized by cell lysate of Haloferax alexandrinus GUSF-1

Manganese oxide nanocomposites attract huge attention in various biotechnological fields due to their extensive catalytic properties. This study reports an easy, rapid, and cost-effective method of using the cell lysate of haloarchaeon, Haloferax alexandrinus GUSF-1 for the synthesis of manganese oxide nanoparticles. The reaction between the cell lysate and manganese sulfate resulted in the formation of a dark brown precipitate within 48 h at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed the existence of Mn₃ O₄ and MnO₂ phases consistent with the JCPDS card no. (01-075-1560 and 00-050-0866). The dark brown colloidal suspension of MnO₃ -MnO₂ in methanol showed maximum absorption between 220 and 260 nm. The EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of manganese and oxygen. The Transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical morphology with an average particle size between 30 and 60 nm. The magnetic moment versus magnetic field (MH) curve, at room temperature (300 K) did not saturate even at a high magnetic field (±3T) indicating the paramagnetic nature of the prepared nanocomposite. The Atomic Emission Spectroscopic analysis showed a negligible amount of soluble manganese (0.03 ppm in 50 ppm) in the Mn₃ O₄ -MnO₂ suspension suggesting the maximum stability of the material in the solvent over time. Interstingly, Mn₃ O₄ -MnO₂ nanocomposites evidenced antimicrobial activity in the order of Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Salmonella typhi > Escherichia coli > Proteus vulgaris > Candida albicans > Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusively, this is the first report on the formation of Mn₃ O₄ -MnO₂ nanocomposites using cell lysate of salt pan haloarcheon Haloferax alexandrinus GUSF-1 with antimicrobial potential.