Antibacterial, Antifungal, Photocatalytic Activities and Seed Germination Effect of Mycosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Fusarium oxysporum

The present research work is committed towards the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using fungus Fusarium oxysporum and later analyzed for antibacterial, antifungal, photocatalytic activity, and enhancement of seed germination. The mycosynthesized AgNP were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-Visible spectra showed an absorption peak at 450 nm confirmed the formation of AgNP. A homogenous dispersion of spherical shape nanoparticles with a size of 40 nm was confirmed by SEM. The mycosynthesized AgNP affected bacteria more than a fungal strain. The AgNP could photo-catalytically degraded methylene blue. It enhanced seed germination of Vigna radiata (mung beans) appropriate conditions where the AgNP at 0.5 mg/ml can be utilized for growth improvement of commercially available crops. In conclusion, the AgNP can be synthesized by fungus F. oxysporum and potentially used as an antimicrobial agent, photocatalysis, and seed germination.

Automated summary

This research focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) using the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, and examines their antibacterial, antifungal, photocatalytic activity, and enhancement of seed germination. The mycosynthesized AgNP showed significant impact on bacteria and improved the germination of mung bean seeds. Such AgNP synthesized from F. oxysporum have potential applications as antimicrobial agents, photocatalysts, and in promoting seed germination.