Mycosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles as Potent Growth Inhibitory Agents Against Selected Waterborne Human Pathogens

Search for innovative technologies for eradication of water contamination and thereby reducing waterborne diseases is a global need. Use of antimicrobial metal nanoparticles for water purification processes has opened up new possibilities to combat waterborne diseases. The present study demonstrates the synthesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles by using fungal filtrates of Fusarium oxysporum and Phoma sorghina. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the synthesis of isotropic, spherical nanoparticles with 20–25 nm as mean size. The mycosynthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their growth inhibition activity against waterborne pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible organism to the silver nanoparticles synthesized from P. sorghina; whereas, high bacteriostatic activity of silver nanoparticles was observed against Brevibacillus borstelensis. The present findings indicate the potential of silver nanoparticles for use in water purification processes. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by using fungal extract are antimicrobial agents, which can control waterborne pathogens. AgNPs with a diameter of 20–25 nm were synthesized and analyzed for their growth inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Chromobacterium violaceum, and Brevibacillus borstelensis. The positive results of the present study indicate utility of AgNPs in water purification technologies.