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Using Fomitopsis pinicola for Bioinspired Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles, Targeting Biomedical Applications

Summary

This research demonstrates how a common mushroom species can be used to create nanoparticles with powerful medical applications. The study shows an environmentally friendly way to produce titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles that can fight bacteria and kill cancer cells. Impact on everyday life: – Provides a safer, eco-friendly alternative to chemical manufacturing of nanoparticles – Could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections that are more effective and less harmful – Shows promise for developing new cancer treatments, particularly for colon cancer – May help create better food preservation methods – Demonstrates how natural resources like mushrooms can be used in advanced medical technologies

Background

Nanotechnology using metal nanoparticles (NPs) has been extensively studied, involving the transition of bulk materials to nanoscale size. While chemical synthesis methods are common, they can be detrimental to ecosystems and human health. Green synthesis using organic sources like fungi is emerging as an influential field due to being safe, eco-friendly and cost-effective. Fungi, particularly mushrooms, are known for their bioremediation utility and ability to produce large amounts of biomass.

Objective

To examine the ability of the wild mushroom Fomitopsis pinicola to synthesize titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles without using supplementary reducing agents, and evaluate their antimicrobial and anticancer potential.

Results

Both TiO2 and Ag NPs were successfully synthesized, with Ag NPs showing spherical shapes (10-30 nm) and TiO2 NPs having irregular shapes (80-120 nm). The nanoparticles demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with Ag NPs showing enhanced activity against E. coli. Both types of NPs exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, causing nuclear disintegration and cell death.

Conclusion

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using F. pinicola offers promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with potential applications in treating infectious diseases and food preservation. The demonstrated cytotoxic activity suggests potential use in human colon cancer therapy.
  • Published in:RSC Advances,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1039/d0ra02637a
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