Mycogenic Silver Nanoparticles: Promising Antimicrobials with Fungistatic Properties

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
• Mycology and Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess antimicrobial properties valuable across industries.
• Biosynthesis is a preferred method for AgNP production, with filamentous fungi showing significant promise.
• Wood decay fungi are particularly interesting candidates for biogenic AgNP synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antifungal potential of AgNPs synthesized using Gloeophyllum striatum DSM 9592.
• To assess the impact of these AgNPs on the lipidome and cell membrane properties of pathogenic fungi.
• To investigate the fungistatic activity against Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgNPs using the brown-rot decay fungus Gloeophyllum striatum.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing (MIC determination) against four pathogenic fungal strains.
• Lipidomic analysis and investigation of cell membrane property changes induced by AgNPs.

Main Results:

• Synthesized AgNPs demonstrated fungistatic activity against all tested fungal strains.
• Malassezia furfur exhibited the highest susceptibility to AgNPs, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.39 μg/mL.
• AgNPs increased cell membrane fluidity in Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans, with strain-specific response mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Biogenic AgNPs produced by Gloeophyllum striatum possess significant antifungal capabilities.
• AgNPs effectively inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi by altering membrane properties.
• The study highlights the potential of fungal-derived AgNPs as novel antifungal agents.