Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Schizophyllum commune and in vitro antimicrobial activity studies

Abstract

Silver possesses a good antimicrobial effect, which has been long used for treatment related to bacterial infections. The antimicrobial effects of silver in its nanoparticles form have not been clearly understood but it is expected to exhibit better effects than in its pure form. The use of microorganisms in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles emerges as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. In this study, the antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles synthesised through reduction of silver nitrate with mycelia and culture supernatant of Schizophyllum commune is reported. The antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles are tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Results showed that silver nanoparticles synthesised by interaction silver nitrate with mycelia fungus, when treated with Staphylococcus aureus and silver nanoparticles synthesised by interaction of silver nitrate and culture supernatant treated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, gave the largest inhibition area. However, no inhibition area was identified when silver nanoparticles were interacted with Aspergillus niger. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration/minimum fungicidal concentration are also conducted in this study. This study significantly showed that silver nanoparticles are powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent against various pathogens.