Biogenesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using endophytic Bacillus cereus

Abstract

Synthesis of nanoparticles has attracted a lot of attention due to their unusual optical, photoelectrochemical, and electronic properties. Semi conductor TiO2 nanoparticles are known to be effective UV absorbers or photocatalysts, thereby making them important in environmental purification. The present study reports a simple, green, and easily reproducible method for the synthesis of TiO2 NPs using the endophytic bacteria Bacillus cereus under ambient conditions. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were characterized for their size, shape, and crystalline nature using various instrumental analyses. Anatase TiO2 NPs were formed whose size was in the range of 69–140 nm which was confirmed further by XRD analysis. The surface topology was studied by AFM analysis, and the SEM micrographs displayed the 2D images of the TiO2 NPs. EDX analysis was performed to confirm the presence of the elements in the sample. Phytotoxic analysis of these nanoparticles was carried out, and it was found that germination rate was not affected but there is a decrease in the length of the roots by around 40 %. But these TiO2 nanoparticles did not show significant cytotoxicity in normal cells (Vero) compared to cancer cells (Hep2). This study offers a feasible and ecofriendly alternative to the existing syntheses methods and suggests a plausible means for the large-scale production of TiO2 NPs.