Anti-candidal and antibacterial influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized by Penicillium crustosum AUMC15766
Abstract
Bio-nanotechnology have attracted strong interest due to their valuable bioactivities and eco-friendly features. In this study, Penicillium crustosum AUMC15766 isolated from soil, molecularly identified, was used to reduce zinc nitrate to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using fungal filtrate. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, visually slimy white, were subjected to characterization using UV-vis spectrophotometry (peak at 314 nm), X-ray diffraction determined its crystallinity (2θ values of 31.77°, 34.44°, 36.26°, 47.54°, 56.61°, 62.86°, 66.39°, and 67.96°), transmission electron microscopy established the form and size (hexagonal diameters ranging from 8 to 25 nm), and functional groups acting as capping agents were illustrated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Assessment of anti-candidal and antibacterial potency of ZnONPs at several concentrations presented significant activity against tested pathogens. Thus, mycogenesis of ZnONPs represents promising approach to introduce sustainable agents available for biotechnological applications.
Keywords: Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Penicillium crustosum, characterization, anti-candidal, antibacterial.