Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles by marine endophytic fungus-Cladosporium cladosporioides isolated from seaweed and evaluation of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

Abstract

Abstract Marine endophytes are the most untapped group of microorganisms having enormous applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetra id=spar0060>Marine endophytes are the most untapped group of microorganisms having enormous applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In the present study, we have optimized a method for biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from Cladosporium cladosporioides, an endophytic fungus of the seaweed, Sargassumwightii. The identity of the fungus was established by the 18 s rRNA and ITS sequence. The AuNPs synthesized using C. cladosporioides were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering, Atomic force microscopy, and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic studies. They were tested for free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and FRAP assay) and antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms. The AuNps were within 100 nm as confirmed by the above methods. An attempt was made to understand the mechanism of the gold nanoparticle synthesis using the fungal extract. The present study shows the involvement of NADPH-dependent reductase and phenolic compounds in the bioreduction of the gold metal salts to nanoparticles. The AuNPs showed significant antioxidant as well as the antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study has shown a great potential for the development of a cost effective antimicrobial treatment utilizing biogenic gold nanoparticles.