Myco-synthesis of silver and ZnO nanomaterials using endophytic fungi isolated from different locations in Egypt for sustainable development

Abstract

The approach of biosynthesis of nanoparticles utilizing endophytic fungus is very promising due to its efficacy, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and straightforward procedures. In this work, we examined six endophytic fungal isolates derived from various plants to determine their ability to produce four types of nanoparticles: AgNPs, CuNPs, SiONPs, and ZnONPs. Preliminary identification of nanoparticle synthesis using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and particle size analyzer revealed the presence of two distinct types of nanoparticles: ZnONPs and AgNPs. The isolated fungus TRA2 produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with average diameters of 18 and 28.7 nm, respectively. Comparatively, the fungus TRC1 produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with average diameters of 22.8 nm and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with average diameters of 73.8 nm. Morphological identification of the two isolates (TRA2 and TRC1) revealed their respective species as Talaromyces sp. and Chaetomium sp. The identified isolates show great potential as viable options for the production of bionanomaterials aimed to achieve sustainable development.