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Mycosynthesis of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles—Synthesis by Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes and Their Application

Summary

Scientists have discovered that common fungi like mushrooms and molds can produce tiny nanoparticles that fight bacteria, kill cancer cells, and speed up chemical reactions. This fungal method is much cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical production methods. The nanoparticles can be used in medical treatments, wound dressings, water purification, and farming as natural fertilizers and pesticides.

Background

Fungi produce diverse biomolecules that can be generated on a large scale in an affordable manner, making them attractive for biotechnological processes. Ascomycetes and basidiomycetes are commonly used fungi for synthesis of metal-containing nanoparticles using non-toxic fungus-produced biochemicals under ambient conditions.

Objective

This review summarizes the synthesis of different metal, metal oxide, metal sulfide, and other metal-based nanoparticles mediated by ascomycetes and basidiomycetes. The review evaluates the practical applications of nanoparticle mycosynthesis in biomedicine, catalysis, biosensing, mosquito control, and precision agriculture.

Results

Multiple fungal genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, and Pleurotus successfully synthesized various nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Fe, metal oxides, and metal sulfides) with controlled size, shape, and crystallinity. Mycosynthesized nanoparticles demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-cancer, catalytic, and biosensing properties with biocompatible surface coatings from fungal biomolecules.

Conclusion

Fungal synthesis represents an energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative to physicochemical nanoparticle production methods. Further investigation of nanoparticle formation mechanisms and scaling from laboratory to commercial production is needed to fully realize the potential of mycosynthesis in various applications.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 36613746, DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010304
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