Synthesis of fungus mediate silver nanoparticles (AgNP) its characterization and study the efficacy against inoculam, biomass and protein content of Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the art and science of manipulating matter less than 100 nm in size called nanoparticles (NPs) with some noble properties. Nanoparticles such as gold, silver, copper, zinc possess unique physiological properties due to its shape, size and increased surface area. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi and viruses etc. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized from the indigenous strain of biological control agent, Trichoderma asperellum and were characterized using UV-Vis-spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta-Sizer. The efficacy of bio synthesized AgNP was then tested against the pathogen F. oxysporum by agar well method and poison food technique at 100% concentration and mycelial growth inhibition was recorded. The effect of NPs on the inoculum of the pathogen, biomass and its protein content was also studied. Significant mycelial growth inhibition of the pathogen was recorded at the tested concentration of AgNP. Light microscopic study of the AgNP treated F. oxysporum showed cellular deformities and lysis of the mycelium after exposure to these NPs. When the effect of silver nanoparticle on the protein content and biomass production of F. oxysporum was studied, it was found that AgNP cause reduction in the protein content and biomass content of the fungus. Thus, the study showed encouraging result for using silver nanoparticles as an effective measure for controlling F. oxysporum.