Characterization of Stress-Tolerant Bacteria for the Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and their Applications

The biogenesis of silver nanoparticles by microbes has become an essential branch in the field of nanotechnology because of its safe, environment-friendly, economical, and time-saving nature. In the current research work, we have screened some stress-tolerant bacteria based on pH, temperature, salt-tolerant efficacy and further utilized them for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The test bacterium was isolated from the soil sample through the serial dilution method on nutrient agar media (NAM). Based on identification using morphological characteristics, biochemical analysis, and 16srRNA sequencing bacteria were identified as Bacillus sp. The extracellular biosynthesis approach was used for synthesizing silver nanoparticles by Bacillus sp. Characterization of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done by using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and absorbance peak was recorded at 430nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study of synthesized nanoparticles showed the shape of nanoparticles was spherical and hexagonal with a size ranging from 10nm-47nm. For the extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles pH was set to 7.0 and temperature at 37°C.

Entomopathogenic Fungi Biomass Production and Extracellular Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Bioinsecticide Action

Entomopathogenic fungi are microbial agents of insect control in nature. They have been used as biologic strategies to manage insect invasion; however, the challenge is to maintain their shelf life and viability when exposed to high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and humidity. Synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from fungal extracellular enzymes are an alternative using these microorganisms to obtain nanoparticles with insecticidal action. The present study evaluates the biomass production and the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles using entomopathogenic fungi isolates. Sixteen isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were used in this study. The fungi pathogenicity and virulence were evaluated using the insect model Tenebrio molitor, at a concentration of 5 × 106 conidia/mL. The fungal biomass was produced in a liquid medium, dried, and weighed. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed with aqueous extracts of the entomopathogenic fungi and silver nitrate solution (1 mM), following characterization by a UV/vis spectrophotometer, mean size, and polydispersity index. The results showed a significant variation in pathogenicity, virulence, and biomass production among the evaluated fungi isolates; however, only one of the isolates did not have the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Pearson’s correlation showed significant correlation values only between virulence × biosynthesis potential and biomass production × biosynthesis potential, both with negative values, indicating an inverse correlation. Thus, AgNPs with entomopathogenic fungus extract can produce an innovative bioinsecticide product using a green production process.

Effect of Optimization Factors on the Production of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

The recent discovery of silver nanoparticles and their production from Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli have enhanced optimization attempts. Extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli cultured supernatants was done according to standard procedures. Optimization of the production of silver nanoparticles was done in a 3 X 3 (three factors) design involving temperature (25, 30 and 35 degrees), pH (6, 7 and 8), and time of incubation (24, 48 and 72 Hours) in a total of 15 non-randomized runs. The result showed a sharp decline in the synthesis of B. subtilis silver nanoparticles (BNP) within the first 40 hours but attained steady optimization between 40 – 60 mins. An exponential increase in BNP synthesis was observed between pH 6 – 7 with a slight decline observed between pH 7 – 8. An increase in temperature from 25-300C resulted in a decrease in the production of BNP while the production of BNP increased over 30-350C. An initial lag in Escherichia coli synthesized silver nanoparticle (ENP) synthesis was observed with temperature variations. ENP synthesis maintained an exponential increase up to pH 7 but decreased with 7>pH≤8. The results showed that the increase in temperature resulted in a gradual decrease in production of ENP producing a negative slope. Therefore, the variations in optimization factors of silver nanoparticles produced from both B. subtilis and E. coli led to improved production.

Genomics Insights into Pseudomonas sp. CG01: An Antarctic Cadmium-Resistant Strain Capable of Biosynthesizing CdS Nanoparticles Using Methionine as S-Source

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas sp. GC01, a cadmium-resistant Antarctic bacterium capable of biosynthesizing CdS fluorescent nanoparticles (quantum dots, QDs) employing a unique mechanism involving the production of methanethiol (MeSH) from methionine (Met). To explore the molecular/metabolic components involved in QDs biosynthesis, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis, searching for the genes related to cadmium resistance and sulfur metabolic pathways. The genome of Pseudomonas sp. GC01 has a 4,706,645 bp size with a 58.61% G+C content. Pseudomonas sp. GC01 possesses five genes related to cadmium transport/resistance, with three P-type ATPases (cadA, zntA, and pbrA) involved in Cd-secretion that could contribute to the extracellular biosynthesis of CdS QDs. Furthermore, it exhibits genes involved in sulfate assimilation, cysteine/methionine synthesis, and volatile sulfur compounds catabolic pathways. Regarding MeSH production from Met, Pseudomonas sp. GC01 lacks the genes E4.4.1.11 and megL for MeSH generation. Interestingly, despite the absence of these genes, Pseudomonas sp. GC01 produces high levels of MeSH. This is probably associated with the metC gene that also produces MeSH from Met in bacteria. This work is the first report of the potential genes involved in Cd resistance, sulfur metabolism, and the process of MeSH-dependent CdS QDs bioproduction in Pseudomonas spp. strains.

Quick extracellular biosynthesis of low-cadmium ZnxCd1−xS quantum dots with full-visible-region tuneable high fluorescence and its application potential assessment in cell imaging

The biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles/QDs has been universally recognized as environmentally sound and energy-saving, generating less pollution and having good biocompatibility, which is most needed in biological and medical fields.

Phytonanofabrication: Methodology and Factors Affecting Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles

The greener way of producing silver nanoparticles is the easiest, cheapest and most efficient way of producing large-scale nanoparticles that have no adverse effect on the environment. The nanosynthesis using various methodologies and the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles have been discussed in detail. Plant extracts have been known to be competent for the extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles suggested by the various publications. Further, effects of various sources and methods on nanoparticle synthesis have been examined. Additionally, the impact of conditions such as dark, light, heating, boiling, sonication, autoclave on the size and shape of colloidal nanoparticles has been analyzed. Moreover, effects of specific parameters such as leaf extract concentration, AgNO3, reaction temperature, pH, light and stirring time for nanoparticle synthesis are discussed, and the impact of silver nanoparticles on plant physiology has examined.