Assessment of antibacterial and anticancer capability of silver nanoparticles extracellularly biosynthesized using Aspergillus terreus

The present study explores biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing extracellular extract of Aspergillus terreus ITCC 9932.15. Modulation of various variables that dictate the biosynthesis of AgNPs, suggested of optimal AgNPs synthesis using AgNO3, 1 mM at pH 8 and temperature, 35 degrees C. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was observed to be time dependent with incremental particle synthesis till 24 h. Various studies were undertaken to authenticate formation and characterization of AgNPs for size, crystallinity and biomolecules involved. A sharp SPR peak observed at 420 nm in the UV-vis absorption spectra validated synthesis of nanoparticles. These particles exhibited spherical morphology with size similar to 25 nm and -16 mV of zeta potential. Further, the existence of proteins and other biomolecules onto the surface of AgNPs was confirmed with FTIR studies. The SAED pattern investigated by employing TEM authenticated the crystallinity of AgNPs. The AgNPs also exhibited potential antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). In addition, remarkable anticancer activity was obtained in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).