Characterization of Ag nanoparticles produced by white-rot fungi and its in vitro antimicrobial activities

Abstract

Biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with diameter ranging 50 to 80 nm is achieved using the white-rot fungi, Schizophyllum commune and Pycnoporus sanguineus. AgNPs were formed when the fungal mycelia and the supernatant reacted with AgNO3 after 5 days of incubation period. The synthesized nanoparticles were determined using analytical tools such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, and transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that the UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium for S. commune and P. sanguineus showed a peak at 420 nm, which corresponded to the plasmon absorbance band of AgNPs. The antimicrobial properties of the synthesized AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans were also investigated using disc diffusion assay. Minimum inhibition concentration, minimum bacterial concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration are also identified using 96-well microtitre plate. It was found that AgNPs synthesized by the Malaysian white-rot fungi has the ability to act as an effective antibacterial agent.