Mycofabrication of gold nanoparticles: Optimization, characterization, stabilization and evaluation of its antimicrobial potential on selected human pathogens

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Aqueous Extract of Turkey Tail Medicinal Mushroom Trametes versicolor (Agaricomycetes)

The turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is one of the most important medicinal mushrooms because it contains a variety of effective bioactive compounds. This study aimed to produce a novel biomaterial to combat microbial infections without any harmful effects. Accordingly, an eco-friendly and non-toxic silver nanoparticle (Ag-NPs) was synthesized using the aqueous extract of T. versicolor. In this study, the qualitative tests of T. versicolor were analyzed and AgNPs was synthesized. The T. versicolor mushroom extract showed positive tests for the bioactive compounds phenols, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. The myco-synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy and a strong absorbance peak was found at 423 nanometers. The biosynthetic method developed in this study for producing AgNPs has distinct advantages over chemical methods such as high biosafety, being ecofriendly and non-toxic to the environment.

Mercaptoimidazole-capped gold nanoparticles as a potent agent against plant pathogenic fungi

Plant pathogenic fungi pose a substantial challenge to agricultural production, but the conventional fungicide-based approaches are losing importance. As agents with broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are found to have antifungal effects; however, no study has examined their application in agriculture as fungicides. Accordingly, this study investigates the activity of 2-mercaptoimidazole-capped Au NPs (MI-Au NPs) against the 'top' plant pathogenic fungi, finding that they could inhibit Magnaporthe oryzae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium pseudograminearum and Colletotrichum destructivum by inducing cytoplasmic leakage. Moreover, MI-Au NPs are found to protect plants from infection by B. cinerea. Specifically, pot experiments demonstrate that MI-Au NPs decrease the incidence rate of B. cinerea infection in Arabidopsis thaliana from 74.6% to 6.2% and in Solanum lycopersicum from 100% to 10.9%, outperforming those achieved by imazalil. Furthermore, the biosafety assays reveal that MI-Au NPs cannot penetrate the cuticle of plant cells or negatively influence plant growth, and it is safe to mammalian cells. In summary, the findings of this study will support the development of NP-based antifungal agents for use in agriculture.

Myco-nanotechnological approach to synthesize gold nanoparticles using a fungal endophyte,Penicillium oxalicum, and unravelling its antibacterial activity and anti-breast cancer role via metabolic reprogramming

The present study has been designed to fabricate fungal endophyte-assisted gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and elucidate their anti-breast cancer potential. The aqueous extract of fungal endophytePenicillium oxalicum(PO), associated with the medicinal plantAmoora rohituka, was used for the fabrication of AuNPs (POAuNPs). Physico-chemical characterization using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential, Transmission electron microscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed stable, uniform distribution, spherical shape and crystalline nature of POAuNPs with a size range of 3-46 nm. Furthermore, the POAuNPs potentially inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacterial strainsEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. The synthesized POAuNPs have shown potential antioxidant effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assays with an EC50value of 8.875 ± 0.082, 52.593 ± 2.506 and 43.717 ± 1.449 µg mL-1, respectively. Moreover, the value of EC50for the total antioxidant capacity of POAuNPs was found to be 23.667 ± 1.361 µg mL-1. The cell viability of human breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, was found to be reduced after treatment with POAuNPs, and IC50values were found to be 19.753 ± 0.640 and 35.035 ± 0.439 µg mL-1, respectively. Further,in vitrobiochemical assays revealed that POAuNPs induces metabolic reprogramming in terms of reduced glucose uptake, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and, disruption of oxidative balance through depletion of glutathione levels, increased nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation levels as a possible pathway to suppress human breast cancer cell proliferation. Apoptosis-specific nuclear modulations induced by POAuNPs in human breast cancer cells were validated through 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) nuclear staining. The present investigation thus attempts to show the first ever fabrication of AuNPs using an aqueous extract ofP. oxalicumassociated withA. rohituka. The results revealed unique physico-chemical characteristics of mycogenic AuNPs, and screening their effect against breast cancer via metabolic reprogramming and induction of apoptosis thus adds great significance for cancer therapeutics, suggesting further exploration to develop nanotherapeutic drugs.

Fungal-mediated nanoparticles for industrial applications: synthesis and mechanism of action

The advancement of safe, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient techniques for nanoparticle production is a crucial objective in nanotechnology. Among the various sustainable methods, the biological synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and plants stands out. Fungi, in particular, are well suited for this task because of their capacity to secrete numerous enzymes and streamline subsequent processes. Using fungal strains for nanoparticle biosynthesis is both technologically appealing and economically viable. The utilization of fungal strains for nanoparticle biosynthesis is both technologically appealing and economically viable. Fungi have long been acknowledged as adept natural engineers capable of creating a wide array of nanoparticles with distinct properties and applications. This article provides an overview of fungus-mediated nanoparticle development, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of their synthesis and the factors influencing their characteristics. Furthermore, the potential of fungus-mediated nanoparticles in the industrial domain has been explored. These findings emphasize the importance of different fungal species in nanoparticle synthesis, as well as the biocompatibility and environmental friendliness of fungus-mediated nanoparticles. By underscoring the essential role of fungi in connecting natural knowledge with innovative industrial applications, recent progress in enhancing nanoparticle production and optimizing synthesis conditions through fungi has been examined to underscore the feasibility of extensive industrial nanoparticle utilization via fungi.

Assessing the toxicity of green Agaricus bisporus-based Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticles on Musca domestica as a biological model

The common housefly, Musca domestica, known for transmitting over 100 infections, was studied using green-synthesized Cadmium Sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) from Agaricus bisporus. These CdS NPs were tested on third-instar larvae under laboratory conditions using dipping and feeding methods with concentrations (75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 µg/mL). The toxicity, measured by LC50, was found to be 138 µg/mL for dipping treatment and 123 µg/mL for feeding treatment. Analysis with an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalyzer confirmed Cd accumulation in the larval midgut, indicating penetration of CdS NPs into the organism, which may potentially increase their toxicity. CdS NPs caused disruptions in Heat Shock Protein 70, cell apoptosis, and various biochemical components. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological abnormalities in larvae, pupae, and adults exposed to CdS NPs. Ultrastructural examination showed significant midgut tissue abnormalities in larvae treated with 123 µg/mL of CdS NPs. Our study demonstrated that green-synthesized CdS NPs from A. bisporus can effectively control the development of M. domestica larvae.

Green biologically synthesized metal nanoparticles: biological applications, optimizations and future prospects

In green biological synthesis, metal nanoparticles are produced by plants or microorganisms. Since it is ecologically friendly, economically viable and sustainable, this method is preferable to other traditional ones. For their continuous groundbreaking advancements and myriad physiochemical and biological benefits, nanotechnologies have influenced various aspects of scientific fields. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are the field anchor for their outstanding optical, electrical and chemical capabilities that outperform their regular-sized counterparts. This review discusses the most current biosynthesized metal nanoparticles synthesized by various organisms and their biological applications along with the key elements involved in MNP green synthesis. The review is displayed in a manner that will impart assertiveness, help the researchers to open questions, and highlight many points for conducting future research.

Comprehensive Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Wild Ganoderma applanatum Mushroom from Kerala, South India: Insights into Dietary Nutritional, Mineral, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

The present study focused on the mushroom Ganoderma, which has been used in Eastern countries for centuries as a food and medicinal source. Specifically, the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum from the Kerala Forest Research Institute in Thirussur, Kerala, India, were analyzed for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The methanolic extracts of G. applanatum were used to examine secondary metabolites and proximate profiles, revealing the presence of various phytochemicals such as terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Further analysis revealed the presence of significant amounts of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and manganese. The compounds were characterized using chromatographic analysis, FTIR, and GC-MS, which revealed potential therapeutic compounds with C-H and C-O bonds in the amide group, β-glycosides, and C-C/C-O vibrations of phenolic substances. Mushroom extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL-1 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. This study suggests that G. applanatum has a rich biochemical composition and pharmacological potential, making it a promising candidate for drug development and traditional medicine, and contributes valuable insights into its diverse therapeutic applications.

Monstera deliciosa mediated single step biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by bottom-up approach and its non-antimicrobial properties

In this study, we have stated the green biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by utilizing the extract of Monstera deliciosa leaves (MDL) as a reducing agent. Biosynthesized flat, thin, and single-crystalline gold nanotriangles obtained through centrifugation are then analyzed by different characterization techniques. The UV - visible absorption spectra of AuNPs exhibited maxima bands in the range of 500-590 nm, indicating a characteristic of AuNPs. XRD analysis revealed the formation of the (111)-oriented face-centered cubic (FCC) phase of AuNPs. ATR-IR spectra showed signatures of stretching vibrations of O-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, C-O, and C-N, accompanied by CH3 rocking vibrations present in functional groups of biomolecules. FESEM images confirmed spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter in the range of 53-66 nm and predominantly triangular morphology of synthesized AuNPs within the size range of 420-800 nm. NMR, GC-MS, and HR-MS studies showed the presence of different biomolecules, including phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants in MDL extracts, which play a crucial role of both, reducing as well as stabilizing and capping agents to form stable AuNPs by a bottom-up approach. They were then investigated for their antibacterial assay against Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) microorganisms, along with testing of antifungal potential against various fungi (Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani) using the well diffusion method. Here, biosynthesized AuNPs showed non-antimicrobial properties against all four used bacteria and fungi, showing their suitability as a contender for biomedical applications in drug delivery ascribed to their inert and biocompatible nature.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03898-0.

Exopolysaccharide from Lactococcus hircilactis CH4 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii GRIPUMSK as new therapeutics to treat biofilm pathogens, oxidative stress and human colon adenocarcinoma

Naturally occurring biopolymers like exopolysaccharides (EPS) secreted by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has gained significant attention as they are cost effective, renewable and safe. In order to prevent the rapid increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria, the EPS of LAB offers novel approach of targeting the antibiotic resistant pathogens by limiting their effects on environment. Accordingly, in this study, the production, purification, characterization and biological properties of exopolysaccharides from Lactococcus hircilactis strain CH4 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii strain GRIPUMSK were performed. The optimization of lactic acid bacterial strains for exopolysaccharide production was done by response surface methodology and changing the carbon sources in the growth media. The carbohydrate and protein of exopolysaccharide 1 were 79.7 % and 8.7 % respectively and exopolysaccharide 2 were 75.2 % and 9.3 % respectively. When compared with the commercial emulsifier sodium dodecyl sulfate, both the exopolysaccharides have shown good emulsifying activity. Both the exopolysaccharides were linear homo-polysaccharide as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the exopolysaccharides were porous and capable of holding water. The exopolysaccharides were partially crystalline as confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectra. Exopolysaccharides from L. hircilactis and L. delbrueckii exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, S. flexneri, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. albicans. Both the exopolysaccharides revealed significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability with the IC50 value of 100 μg/ml and 80 μg/ml respectively. Exopolysaccharides from L. hircilactis and L. delbrueckii at 100 μg/ml showed significant anticancer activity on HT-29 cells with 58.4 % and 58.7 % respectively. These findings proved that exopolysaccharides from the two selected lactic acid bacterial strains could be explored as natural bioactive carbohydrate polymer for biomedical applications.

Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated sodium alginate polymer membrane for supercapacitor and food packaging applications

Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated sodium alginate polymer membrane was successfully made using the solution casting technique. Electric, electrochemical, physicochemical and antimicrobial analyses of the prepared film were investigated. Functional groups of polysaccharides are identified in FTIR analysis and crystallinity/amorphous of the prepared samples was studied using XRD analysis. The prepared polymer membrane (DmMSA2) exhibits the ionic conductivity of 2.18 × 10^-4 Scm^-1, maximum specific capacitance of 131 F/g at a current density of 0.2 A/g and also exhibits a significant effect of antimicrobial activity against human pathogens. Hence, Datura metel L. leaf extract mediated polymer membranes are promising candidates for solid-electrolyte in supercapacitor devices and antimicrobial agents in food packaging applications.

Nanomedicine for drug resistant pathogens and COVID-19 using mushroom nanocomposite inspired with bacteriocin – A Review

Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens have become a major global health challenge and have severely threatened the health of society. Current conditions have gotten worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection rates in the future will rise. It is necessary to design, respond effectively, and take action to address these challenges by investigating new avenues. In this regard, the fabrication of metal NPs utilized by various methods, including green synthesis using mushroom, is highly versatile, cost-effective, eco-compatible, and superior. In contrast, biofabrication of metal NPs can be employed as a powerful weapon against MDR pathogens and have immense biomedical applications. In addition, the advancement in nanotechnology has made possible to modify the nanomaterials and enhance their activities. Metal NPs with biomolecules composite to prevents their microbial adhesion and kills the microbial pathogens through biofilm formation. Bacteriocin is an excellent antimicrobial peptide that works well as an augmentation substance to boost the antimicrobial effects. As a result, we concentrate on the creation of new, eco-compatible mycosynthesized metal NPs with bacteriocin nanocomposite via electrostatic, covalent, or non-covalent bindings. The synergistic benefits of metal NPs with bacteriocin to combat MDR pathogens and COVID-19, as well as other biomedical applications, are discussed in this review. Moreover, the importance of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) in risk analysis of manufactured metal nanocomposite nanomaterial and their future possibilities also discussed.

Phytochemical Screening, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Biofilm and Antioxidant Activity of Azadiracta Indica A. Juss. Flowers

The present study involves investigation of Azadiracta Indica flowers with respect to its pharmacognostic properties, phytochemical screening, and its application as anti-oxidant, anti-biofilm, and anti-microbial agent. The Pharmacognostic characteristics were evaluated with respect to moisture content, total ash content, acid, and water-soluble ash content, swelling index, foaming index, and metal content. The macro and micronutrient content of the crude drug was estimated by AAS and Flame photometric methods and it gives the quantitative estimation of minerals, where calcium is present in abundance (88.64 mg/L). Soxhlet extraction was carried out in the increasing order of polarity of the solvent viz Petroleum Ether (PE), Acetone (AC), and Hydroalcohol (20 %) (HA) to extract the bioactive compounds. The characterization of the bioactive compounds of all the three extract have been carried out using gcms and lcms. The presence of 13 major compounds have been identified in PE extract and 8 compounds in AC extract using gcms studies. The HA extract is found to contain polyphenols, flavanoids, and glycosides. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, and Phosphomolybdenum assay. This reveals that HA extract shows good scavenging activity than PE and AC extracts which is well correlated with the bioactive compounds, especially phenols which are present as a major component in the extract. The anti-microbial activity was investigated via Agar well diffusion method for all the extracts. Among all the extracts HA extract shows good antibacterial activity with MIC of 25 μg/mL and AC extract shows good anti-fungal activity with MIC of 25 μg/mL. The antibiofilm assay confirms that the HA extract shows good biofilm inhibition about 94 % among other extracts when tested on human pathogens. The results confirm that the HA extract of A. Indica flowers will be an excellent source of natural anti-oxidant and also antimicrobial agents. This paves the way for its potential uses in herbal product formulation.

Diversity of Biogenic Nanoparticles Obtained by the Fungi-Mediated Synthesis: A Review

Fungi are very promising biological objects for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles using different mycological cultures and substances obtained from them is a promising, easy and environmentally friendly method. By varying the synthesis conditions, the same culture can be used to produce nanoparticles with different sizes, shapes, stability in colloids and, therefore, different biological activity. Fungi are capable of producing a wide range of biologically active compounds and have a powerful enzymatic system that allows them to form nanoparticles of various chemical elements. This review attempts to summarize and provide a comparative analysis of the currently accumulated data, including, among others, our research group's works, on the variety of the characteristics of the nanoparticles produced by various fungal species, their mycelium, fruiting bodies, extracts and purified fungal metabolites.

Antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of bacteriocin by Lactococcus lactis strain CH3 isolated from fermented dairy products-An in vitro and in silico approach

The current study aimed to screen bacteriocin producing LAB from different dairy products and evaluation of their biological properties. Initially, 12 (4-chess, 4-curd, and 4-yohurt) LAB species were isolated and only 4 isolates alone were selected based on their clear yellow halo zone around the colonies in the selective medium. The selected 4 isolates were identified based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Among them, the strain CH3 have showed better antimicrobial effects on selected human pathogens. The isolated strain CH3 were further identified as Lactococcus lactis strain CH3 (MZ636710) by SEM imaging and 16 s rRNA molecular sequencing. Bacteriocin was extracted from L. lactis strain CH3 and partially purified using 60 % ammonium sulphate and then completely purified by G-50 column chromatography. The purified bacteriocin showed a specific activity of 5859.37 AU/mg in 24.7 % of recovery and 10.9-fold purification. The molecular weight of bacteriocin was 3.5 kDa as observed in SDS-PAGE. The bacteriocin showed sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes and resistance to high temperature, wide range of pH, organic solvents and detergents. FT-IR spectral studies of bacteriocin detected the existence of OH/NH-stretching, CH, and COC and CO bonds. NMR spectrum showed one doublet and 4 various singlet peaks at different ppm, indicating the occurrence of six amino acids in the structure of purified bacteriocin. The purified bacteriocin have shown stronger antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against selected human pathogens at 100 μg/mL. SEM showed the evidence of structural deformation and loss of membrane integrity of bacterial cells treated with bacteriocin. Bacteriocin exhibited greater DPPH radical scavenging potential with an EC₅₀ value of 12.5 μg/mL. Bacteriocin have not shown significant toxicity on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells (83.2 % at 100 μg/ mL). Furthermore, in silico studies using molecular modeling and docking were performed to know the proteins involved in antimicrobial action. The results suggests that bacteriocin could be an alternative to combat AMR pathogens and more suitable for food and dairy industries to preserve food without contamination.

Study the Effect of Conjugate Novel Ultra-Short Antimicrobial Peptide with Silver Nanoparticles against Methicillin Resistant S. aureus and ESBL E. coli

Background: Bacterial resistance is a challenging limitation in infection treatment. This work evaluates the potential antibacterial activity of conjugation of Tryasine peptide with silver nanoparticles against selected pathogens. Materials and Methods: The peptide Tryasine was produced using three subunits of tryptophan and three lysine amino acids, then its purity was determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The peptide was confirmed using mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Silver nanoparticles conjugate with Tryasine was synthesized by adding Tryasine-silver nitrate solution in the presence of the reducing agent sodium borohydride. The presence of Tryasine-silver nanoparticles was indicated by the yellow-brown color and was further confirmed through ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations for Tryasine nanoparticles were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and ESBL Escherichia coli using the microdilution method. Toxicity for nanoparticles conjugated with Tryasine was determined using erythrocyte hemolytic assay. Results: Tryasine alone was effective (MIC around 100 and 200 μM) against standard and resistant strains of bacteria used. However, Tryasine-silver nanoparticles were more effective with MICs ranging from 30 to 100 μM depending on the bacterial strain used. Tryasine-silver nanoparticles at concentration of 100 μM only caused 1% hemolysis on human erythrocytes after 30 min of incubation. Conclusions: The findings indicate that Tryasine-silver nanoparticles had good antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the conjugate showed low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity. Therefore, conjugation of Tryasine with silver nanoparticles is a promising treatment candidate for bacterial infection with low toxicity.

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles by Mushrooms: A Crucial Dimension for Sustainable Soil Management

Soil is the main component in the agroecosystem besides water, microbial communities, and cultivated plants. Several problems face soil, including soil pollution, erosion, salinization, and degradation on a global level. Many approaches have been applied to overcome these issues, such as phyto-, bio-, and nanoremediation through different soil management tools. Mushrooms can play a vital role in the soil through bio-nanoremediation, especially under the biological synthesis of nanoparticles, which could be used in the bioremediation process. This review focuses on the green synthesis of nanoparticles using mushrooms and the potential of bio-nanoremediation for polluted soils. The distinguished roles of mushrooms of soil improvement are considered a crucial dimension for sustainable soil management, which may include controlling soil erosion, improving soil aggregates, increasing soil organic matter content, enhancing the bioavailability of soil nutrients, and resorting to damaged and/or polluted soils. The field of bio-nanoremediation using mushrooms still requires further investigation, particularly regarding the sustainable management of soils.