Synthesis and Biological Activities of Cu-Nanoparticles from Aspergillus niger

Abstract

Nanotechnology has received tremendous attention because its applications have expanded in a variety of fields. The biological route for the synthesis of nanoparticles become more demanding as it is eco-friendly, low cost, and not time taking procedure. In this research, Aspergillus niger filtrate is used as a reducing agent to biosynthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) under controlled parameters i.e., pH, temperature, and time. Synthesized CuNPs were confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy and further characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV- Visible spectroscopy exhibit a maximum peak of 540nm which confirmed the formation of CuNPs. FTIR showed two maximum peaks 3339cm-1 and 1638 cm-1. These peaks represent the presence of O-H stretching and –C=C- stretching respectively. The size ranges of CuNPs between 15nm-85nm with spherical shapes. The anti-microbial activity was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and showed the significant antibacterial potential of CuNPs. Radical scavenging activity was confirmed by DPPH assay. The results of antioxidant activity indicated the IC50 value of CuNPs was 59.10ug/ml. Thus, CuNPs synthesized through a biological route could act as good antibacterial as well as antioxidant agents.