Mycological Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Synthesis of new classes of nanomaterials for special applications is challenging the researchers worldwide. Biological methods of synthesis nanomaterials are often preferred because they are clean, non-toxic, safe, biocompatible and environmentally acceptable. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agent when incorporated into materials such as paints, textiles, plastics and personal care products. Aspergillus terreus culture filtrate was used in the present work for the extracellular synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Production of zinc oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by the formation of white aggregates of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The produced crystalline zinc nanoparticles were confirmed by UV absorption spectrum at 340 nm and X-ray Diffraction spectrum with 2θ values of 29.8. Produced nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape with the size range of 54.8 to 82.6 nm using Scanning Electron Microscope. The functional groups associated were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticle was found to be a good antifungal agent against selected fungal species.