Biogenic Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using a Biosurfactant Extracted from Corn and Their Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

A new and promising biosurfactant extracted from corn steep liquor has been used for the green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) in a one-step procedure induced by temperature. Most of the biosurfactants proposed in the literature are produced by pathogenic microorganisms; whereas the biosurfactant used in the current work was extracted from a liquid stream, fermented spontaneously by lactic acid bacteria, which are “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) microorganisms. The reduction of a gold precursor in the presence of a biosurfactant gives rise to a mixture of nanospheres and nanoplates with distinct optical features. Moreover, the growth of nanoplates can be promoted by increasing the reaction temperature to 60 °C. In the case of silver, the biosurfactant just induces the formation of pseudo-spherical NPs. The biosurfactant plays a key role in the reduction of the metal precursor, as well as in the stabilization of the resulting NPs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the resulting silver colloids has been analyzed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The biosurfactant stabilized NPs slightly increased the inhibition of E. coli in comparison with citrate stabilized Ag NPs. The use of this biosurfactant extracted from corn steep liquor for the synthesis of metal NPs contributes to enhancing the application of green technologies and increasing the utilization of clean, non-toxic and environmentally safe production processes. Therefore, it can help to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste and increase energy efficiency in the field of nanomaterials.

Biogenic nanosilver synthesized in Metarhizium robertsii waste mycelium extract – As a modulator of Candida albicans morphogenesis, membrane lipidome and biofilm

“…Undoubtedly, continuing research in this promising direction is advisable. However, it does not lower the observations regarding the antimicrobial activity of the metal nanoparticles obtained by another synthesis route [ 8 , 9 , 35 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 53 – 55 ].…”

Comparative study of antidiabetic, bactericidal, and antitumor activities of MEL@AgNPs, MEL@ZnONPs, and Ag–ZnO/MEL/GA nanocomposites prepared by using MEL and gum arabic

“…The bands of MEL in Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were shiing remarkably, which might be due to the reduction of Ag and ZnO. 49 GA displayed notable stretching vibration bands at 3386, 2920 and 1420 cm À1 that correspond to O-H stretching vibration of polymer, C-H stretching of CH 2 group and the deformations of the CH 2 group, respectively. These results are in a good agreement with other reports.…”

Lactobacillus acidophilus Derived Biosurfactant as a Biofilm Inhibitor: A Promising Investigation Using Microfluidic Approach

“…BS molecules can work excitingly in synergistic way (against pathogens) in association with antibiotics, NPs etc. Gómez-Graña et al [40] suggested that the CFBS exhibit deep impact in reducing the metal precursor and also stabilizing the NPs. More importantly, BS stabilizes NPs and exhibits antimicrobial activity against various pathogens like E. coli, Ps.…”