MYCOSYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

The silver nanoparticles were formed in contact with the cell free filtrate of Alternaria alternata. The nanoparticles were characterised by means of UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an absorbance maximum at 420 nm in the visible range. Transmission electron microgram and particle size distribution curve showed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the range of 35 to 90 nm. The EDX spectrum and the XRD pattern also confirmed the presence of silver in the nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of a protein shell outside the silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles was investigated against a number of pathogenic bacteria and the result suggests that silver nanoparticles can be used as effective growth inhibitors in various microorganisms.

Keywords: Alternaria alternata, Antimicrobial, Biosynthesis, Silver nanoparticles