Long term stability of Trichoderma mediated copper nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present study, the stability of T. asperellum mediated copper nanoparticles (Tr-CuNPs) were investigated over a six-month period, focusing on their size distribution. The copper nanoparticles were synthesized using cell-free extracts of T. asperellum. Characterization was performed throughout the experiment using zeta potential and particle size analysis. The results revealed that the zeta potential of Tr-CuNPs remained stable for up to four months, with zeta potential values of -4.92, -6.43, -0.12, and -11.4 mV. However, after four months, the zeta potential became unstable, with values of -0.38 and 1.56 mV. Regarding particle size, it progressively increased starting from the second month, from 180 nm to 2395 nm by the fourth month. During the fifth and sixth months, the size continued to grow, reaching 3425 nm and 4959 nm, respectively. This increase in size after the fourth month resulted in the destabilization of the nanoparticles. Therefore, based on these findings, the copper nanoparticles remained stable for up to four months.