Biogenic alpha-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Enhance the Biological Activity of Trichoderma against the Plant Pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Author(s)

Bilesky-Jose, Natalia ^[1] ; Maruyama, Cintia ^[2] ; Germano-Costa, Tais ^[1] ; Campos, Estefania ^[3] ; Carvalho, Lucas ^[2] ; Grillo, Renato ^[4] ; Fraceto, Leonardo Fernandes ^[2] ; de Lima, Renata ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sorocaba UNISO, Lab Bioact Assessment & Toxicol Nanomat, BR-18023000 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Inst Sci & Technol, BR-18087180 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ ABC, Human & Nat Sci Ctr, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[4] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Engn, Dept Phys & Chem, BR-15385000 Ilha Solteira, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING; v. 9, n. 4, p. 1669-1683, FEB 1 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

The biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles can contribute to resolving problems related to pests and soil fertilization. Among the different types of metallic nanoparticles, iron nanoparticles have shown good results, especially concerning toxicity because this metal is an essential micronutrient for all plants and can assist their growth, increasing the levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and chlorophyll. This work performed the green synthesis of biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles using the biological control agent Trichoderma harzianum as a stabilizing agent. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated using the following techniques: dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using different cell lines, while comet and Allium cepa assays were used to assess genotoxicity. In addition, as a proof of concept, the biological activity of the nanoparticles against the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (white mold) was evaluated using an in vitro antifungal activity test. The effect of the nanoparticles on seed germination was also evaluated. The results indicated that the nanoparticles consisted of hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) and had a mean size diameter of 207 +/- 2 nm, polydispersity index of 0.45 +/- 0.07, and zeta potential of 13 +/- 2 mV. The biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles did not alter cell viability, compared to the controls, and did not lead to changes in the mitotic index, at the concentrations used. Furthermore, they were able to increase the proliferation of Trichoderma, which led to the inhibition of emergence of the pathogen S. sclerotiorum and did not affect the germination of the seeds. Therefore, the green synthesis of biogenic iron oxide nanoparticles based on T. harzianum is an attractive option for pest control, aiming at sustainable agricultural practices. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/23608-8 - Development of labelled nanopesticides aiming studies of mechanism of action and toxicity
• Grantee: Lucas Bragança de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/21004-5 - Agriculture, micro/nanotechnology and environment: from evaluation of the mechanisms of action to studies of transport and toxicity
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/20932-6 - Green synthesis and evaluation of iron nanoparticles based on Trichoderma harzianum for application in agriculture
• Grantee: Natalia Bilesky José
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master