Myco-Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Bioactive Role against Pathogenic Microbes

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Environmental Science
• Mycology

Background:

• Nanotechnology offers novel approaches for treating infectious diseases.
• Conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods are often costly and environmentally hazardous.
• There is a need for sustainable and safe nanoparticle production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the fungus Fusarium oxysporum.
• To characterize the synthesized AgNPs.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of myco-synthesized AgNPs against pathogenic microorganisms.

Main Methods:

• Biosynthesis of AgNPs using Fusarium oxysporum.
• Characterization of AgNPs via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Antimicrobial activity testing against Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus anthracis, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma.

Main Results:

• Globular AgNPs with sizes ranging from 50 to 100 nm were successfully synthesized.
• Significant zones of inhibition were observed against tested bacteria (e.g., 2.6 mm against Vibrio cholerae) and fungi (e.g., 2.6 mm against Alternaria alternata) at specific concentrations.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed AgNP presence and indicated hyphal damage in Alternaria alternata.

Conclusions:

• Fusarium oxysporum can be effectively utilized for the green synthesis of AgNPs.
• The myco-synthesized AgNPs exhibit potent antimicrobial properties against a spectrum of pathogens.
• These AgNPs hold promise for combating multi-drug resistant microbes and could be valuable in clinical applications.