Fungus-mediated biosynthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanoparticles and their activity against pathogenic bacteria

In the present study, the biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was achieved by a novel, biodegradable and convenient procedure using Aspergillus flavus as a reducing and capping agent. Research on new, simple, rapid, eco-friendly and cheaper methods has been initiated. TiO2 NPs were characterized by FTIR, XRD, AFM, SEM and TEM studies. The X-ray diffraction showed the presence of increased amount of TiO2 NPs which can state by the presence of peaks at rutile peaks at 1 0 0, 0 0 2, 1 0 0 and anatase forms at 1 0 1 respectively. SEM observations revealed that synthesized TiO2 NPs were spherical, oval in shape; individual nanoparticles as well as a few aggregate having the size of 62–74 nm. AFM shows crystallization temperature was seen on the roughness of the surface of TiO2. The Minimum inhibitory concentration value for the synthesized TiO2 NPs was found to be 40 μg ml−1 for Escherichia coli, which was corresponding to the value of well diffusion test. This is the first report on antimicrobial activity of fungus-mediated synthesized TiO2 NPs, which was proved to be a good novel antibacterial material.

Due to the significant applications of nanotechnology, the environmental and ecological effects of nanomaterials have to be considered. The surface area of the synthesized TiO2 NPs increased dramatically due to the enzymes present in the Aspergillus flavus. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were subjected to characterize by XRD shows the presence of rutile peaks at 1 0 0, 0 0 2, 1 0 0 and anatase forms at 1 0 1 respectively. SEM observations revealed that synthesized TiO2 NPs were spherical, oval in shape. Few nanoparticles were aggregate having the size of 62–74 nm and AFM shows crystallization temperature was seen on the roughness of the surface of TiO2 NPs. The bacterial species were tabulated for the antibiogram and MIC values shows 40 μg ml−1 for E. coli.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Novel TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using Aspergillus flavus.
► TiO2 NPs were characterized with FTIR, XRD, SEM and AFM.
► TiO2 NPs were spherical, oval in shape having the size of 62–74 nm.
► The MIC value of synthesized TiO2 NPs was found to be 40 μg ml−1 against E. coli.
► The well diffusion test showed 35 mm of zone of inhibition against E. coli.