Mycogenic Fabrication of Zinc Nanoparticles for Their Antifungal Activity Against Alternaria mali

Synthesis of nanoparticles through environmentally friendly and biologically mediated routes is the study upon which lot of research attention has been focused in recent times. In the present investigation, fungal-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was explored using an economical and nature friendly approach. Synthesis of the extracellular zinc oxide nanoparticles was achieved using fungal cultures of Pleurotus, Lentinus and Agaricus spp. The synthesized nanomaterial was thoroughly characterized using physical techniques including UV-Vis Spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Vis Spectroscopy exposed a distinct absorption peak in the range of 300-400 nm, validating the formation of nanoparticles. SEM images revealed the ZnNPs being agglomerated and irregular in shape. The size of the particles is in the average range of 10-100 nm. XRD analysis demonstrated the nature of the nanoparticles as crystalline, with prominent diffraction peaks corresponding to the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure of zinc oxide. FTIR analysis provided insights into the functional groups present on the nanoparticle surface. This suggests that there is some involvement of fungal biomolecules in the reduction and stabilization of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles were assessed for their potential antifungal activity against Alternaria mali, a notorious phytopathogen responsible for causing leaf spot in Apple plant. The antifungal activity was assessed through poison food technique and results indicated a significant inhibition of Alternaria growth by the zinc oxide nanoparticles particularly the ones synthesized from Pleurotus, with a dose-dependent response. The mycogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach, minimizing the need for hazardous chemicals and reducing environmental impact. This study showcases the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles as a novel and effective biofungicide against Alternaria mali and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable methods of nanoparticle synthesis and their applications in agriculture (disease management) and environmental management.