Biofunctionalization of mycosynthesized silver nanoparticles on selected drug resistant human pathogens

Nanotechnology has been a boon to mankind as its significance paved the way for several applications in therapeutics. Silver nanoparticles are powerful nano-weapons in the destruction of multiple drug resistant pathogens. The process of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles is a simple, cost effective and eco-friendly approach. In the present study, aqueous extract of edible mushroom Pleurotus florida is used for the synthesis of biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesis parameters such as pH, silver nitrate concentration, silver nitrate to mushroom extract ratio, temperature, incubation condition and duration of synthesis were optimized to maximize the yield of silver nanoparticles. Its formation was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectrum revealed the possible biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the nanoparticles. Further, biological evaluation of these silver nanoparticles showed potential antimicrobial action against seven bacterial and two fungal pathogens by agar well diffusion method. The microbicidal property of the biosynthesized nanosilver showed significant positive correlations associated with the dose- dependent effect and thus it might have high potential medical applications in controlling drug- resistant infections.