Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by selected species of Phoma and their activity against multi-drug resistant microbes

• Grant number: 12/03731-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: January 15, 2013
• End date: January 14, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Nelson Eduardo Duran Caballero
• Grantee: Nelson Eduardo Duran Caballero
• Visiting researcher: Mahendra K. Rai
• Visiting researcher institution: Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, India
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

To date, numerous synthesis methods have been developed for the synthesis and manipulation of various metal nanoparticles. It includes physical, chemical and biological methods. The disadvantages associated with the physical and chemical methods like use of hazardous precursors, use of laser, high temperature and pressure, formation of toxic byproducts, high production cost and less yields have promoted researchers to look possible alternative for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. In order to overcome these hurdles, researchers looked at nature for inspiration and have started to utilize the biological systems for the synthesis of nanoparticles in general. Different biological systems like plants, bacteria, actinomycetos, algae and fungi have shown ability to reduce metal ions to form metallic nanoparticles of different sizes, shapes and properties. Among these, fungi have been extensively studied for the synthesis of nanoparticles. They are preferred over other microbes because of their robustness, eukaryotic nature, ease of handling and their wide availability. Since fungi have of robust cell wall they are capable of withstanding harsh physical conditions to some extent and hence they are ideal for use in flow cultures. Fungi being eukaryotic are highly developed and possess sophisticated biological machineries which could be exploited for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles of well-defined size and distinct morphology within the periplasmic space of the bacteria are also possible from concentrated aqueous solution of AgNO3, which resulted in the reduction of the Ag+ ions and formation of silver nanoparticles. Some researchers have shown that nano-crystals of gold, silver and their alloys can be synthesized by reaction of the corresponding metal ions within cells of lactic acid bacteria present in buttermilk. More recent and detailed investigations into the use of microbes in synthesis of nanoparticles of different chemical compositions include bacteria for gold, silver, metal sulfides, yeast for PbS and CdS, algae for gold and fingus for silver. Fungi in general and yeast in particular play an important role in remediation of toxic metals through reduction of the metal ions, this was considered interesting as nanofactories. The biosynthesis of inorganic nanomaterials can be processed by using dissimilatory properties of fungi. The emerging multi drug resistance in microbes is a matter of great concern as these human pathogens are reported to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Multiple surveillance studies have demonstrated that resistance among prevalent pathogens is increasing at alarming rate, leading to greater patient morbidity and mortality. The most important resistant pathogens are mithicillin (oxacillin) resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ² lactum and Pneumococci, vancomycin resistant Enterococci and Candida. The widespread use of the chemicals has resulted in bacterial resistance to antibiotics in such case silver nanoparticles are the hope for the treatment of multidrug resistant bacteria.. Microbially synthesized bioactive silver nanoparticles shows high potential antimicrobial activity against certain human pathogens. Due to its potential activity, silver nanoparticles can be used in various other applications by our groups as potential antibacterial agent against multi drug resistant bacteria like S. aureus, dressings for wounds, children's toys and baby pacifiers, all of which would resist bacterial growth without having to be treated with chemical disinfectants. In the proposed study, we will screen selected species of Phoma to search for potential species for the synthesis of nanoparticles as they are easy to isolate and grow. They can be maintained on simple medium like potato dextrose agar and most important is that they have stable biochemical characteristics. Besides these activities undergraduate and graduate courses will be considered at UNICAMP as in UFABC. (AU)

Scientific publications

(5)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

RAI, MAHENDRA; GAIKWAD, SWAPNIL; NAGAONKAR, DIPALI; DOS SANTOS, CAROLINA ALVES. Current Advances in the Antimicrobial Potential of Species of Genus Ganoderma (Higher Basidiomycetes) against Human Pathogenic Microorganisms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, v. 17, n. 10, p. 921-932, 2015. (12/03731-3)

DOS SANTOS, CAROLINA ALVES; SECKLER, MARCELO MARTINS; INGLE, AVINASH P.; GUPTA, INDARCHAND; GALDIERO, STEFANIA; GALDIERO, MASSIMILIANO; GADE, ANIKET; RAI, MAHENDRA. Silver Nanoparticles: Therapeutical Uses, Toxicity, and Safety Issues. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, v. 103, n. 7, p. 1931-1944, JUL 2014. (12/03731-3)

YADAV, ALKA; KON, KATERYNA; KRATOSOVA, GABRIELA; DURAN, NELSON; INGLE, AVINASH P.; RAI, MAHENDRA. Fungi as an efficient mycosystem for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles: progress and key aspects of research. Biotechnology Letters, v. 37, n. 11, p. 2099-2120, NOV 2015. (12/03731-3)

RAI, MAHENDRA; INGLE, AVINASH P.; GADE, ANIKET K.; TEIXEIRA DUARTE, MARTA CRISTINA; DURAN, NELSON. Three Phoma spp. synthesised novel silver nanoparticles that possess excellent antimicrobial efficacy. IET Nanobiotechnology, v. 9, n. 5, p. 280-287, OCT 2015. (12/03731-3)

RAI, MAHENDRA; INGLE, AVINASH P.; GADE, ANIKET; DURAN, NELSON. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Phoma gardeniae and in vitro evaluation of their efficacy against human disease-causing bacteria and fungi. IET Nanobiotechnology, v. 9, n. 2, p. 71-75, APR 2015. (12/03731-3)