Multifunctionalities of mycosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from Cladosporium tenuissimum FCBGr: Antimicrobial additives for paints coating, functionalized fabrics and biomedical properties

Abstract

The prime focus of this investigation was to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and test its potential applications as antimicrobials on textile fabrics, utilize ZnONP-functionalized building paints, evaluate its dye degradation efficiency, and determine its anticancer activity. ZnONPs were synthesized extracellularly in minimal medium at a fixed pH range 7.2 using an endophytic fungus Cladosporium tenuissimum FCBGr isolated from the Aegle marmelos (Vilva tree), a medicinal tree. The molecular identification of endophytic isolate FCBGr was performed using PCR amplification of ITS rDNA. The synthesized particles were characterized using microscopic and spectral analysis viz., SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The mycosynthesized ZnONPs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties at minimal concentration. Additionally, ZnONP-coated/functionalized fabrics exhibited a high degree of antimicrobial activity against most clinical pathogens tested. ZnONP-functionalized paints inhibited Aspergillus molds on building walls. Moreover, ZnONPs exhibited anti-angiogenic property by inhibiting blood vessel formation and cytotoxicity against HeLa cell lines even at the lowest concentration. These assessments evinced the promising nature of ZnONPs coatings in bio-medical applications and bioremediation.