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Extracellular Biosynthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Filamentous Fungi

Summary

Researchers used three types of fungi to naturally create tiny silver particles that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi. These particles were much smaller than the width of a human hair and proved especially effective against dangerous bacteria like those causing hospital infections and Candida yeast infections. This green manufacturing method is safer for the environment than traditional chemical approaches and could help address the growing problem of drug-resistant infections.

Background

Silver nanoparticles have diverse applications in wastewater treatment, agriculture, food additives, and antimicrobial therapy. Green synthesis using microorganisms offers environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical and physical methods. Filamentous fungi are promising candidates for biosynthesis due to their ability to secrete various metabolites and enzymes.

Objective

To obtain and characterize silver nanoparticles synthesized by three filamentous fungal species (Cladosporium cladosporoides, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Purpureocillium lilacinum) using aqueous mycelium extracts. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized nanoparticles against clinically relevant microbial strains.

Results

All three fungal species successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles confirmed by color change and UV-Vis absorption peaks. AgNPs had mean diameters of 124-168 nm with good stability (negative zeta potentials). Cladosporium cladosporoides-derived AgNPs showed the highest antimicrobial activity with 93.75% inhibition of S. aureus, 67.20% of E. coli, and 69.56% of C. albicans.

Conclusion

Cladosporium cladosporoides was identified as an excellent environmentally friendly source for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis. The synthesized AgNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial potential against medically relevant pathogens with MIC values of 1.0-2.0 μg/mL. These results support the use of filamentous fungi for green nanotechnology applications.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof10110798, PMID: 39590717
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