Application of nanoparticles derived from marine Staphylococcus lentus in sensing dichlorvos and mercury ions

[Display omitted] •Marine bacterium Staphylococcus lentus formed gold and silver oxide nanoparticles.•A glycolipid was involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles.•Gold nanoparticles were used to sense the organophosphate pesticide dichlorvos.•Silver oxide nanoparticles were effective in detection of mercury ions. A marine epibiotic bacterium identified as Staphylococcus lentus synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs). These nanoparticles were obtained by reacting the cell free supernatant (CFS) with chloroauric acid and silver nitrate. The nanostructures were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Treatment of the CFS with chloroform: methanol and subsequent resolution by preparatory Thin Layer Chromatography showed the presence of six glycolipids. These could mediate the synthesis of gold and silver oxide nanoparticles. A representative glycolipid was hydrolyzed, derivatized and characterized by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. This glycolipid was composed of glucose and stearic or palmitic acid residues. Unmodified AuNPs obtained from the CFS and the glycolipid could be used for sensing a toxic pesticide (dichlorvos) and the Ag2ONPs could be applied for specific detection of mercury ions.