Green nanotechnology: usage of mangrove endophytic fungi on zinc oxidade nanoparticles synthesis and process otimization

• Grant number: 25/12240-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Cristiane Angélica Ottoni
• Grantee: Stella Daniels Kovacs
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB-CLP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus Experimental do Litoral Paulista. São Vicente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) synthesis through green approaches aims to minimize the use of reagents that are toxic to the environment and human health. Among the various microorganisms capable of biosynthesizing ZnONP, fungi stand out for their high tolerance to metals, bioaccumulation capacity, ease of large-scale cultivation, and economic viability. However, the synthesis process still requires in-depth investigation of promising fungal strains, as well as the optimization of production conditions. Endophytic fungi (EF), in turn, are considered potential sources of new secondary metabolites with unique biological properties, but are not largely explored in regards to the extracellular synthesis of ZnONP. The optimization of abiotic parameters, such as the type and concentration of the precursor salt, in addition to the pH of the reaction medium, is essential to obtain greater control over the size, morphology, monodispersity, and biocompatibility of the generated nanoparticles. Given this scenario, this project aims to select EF from mangrove ecosystems, define the ideal abiotic parameters for ZnONP biosynthesis, and evaluate the antifungal activity of these nanoparticles against phytopathogenic fungi. The expected results will provide important support for the development of innovative ZnONP synthesis processes, with potential positive impact on global challenges such as food security, climate change, promotion of health, and energy efficiency.