Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (14 December 2022) | Viewed by 58220

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Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), 9-Gamaa St., 12619 Giza, Egypt
Interests: agri-nanotechnology; molecular biology; plant pathology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fungal Nanotechnology offers new methods for molecular and cell biology, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, veterinary physiology, and reproduction, offering more exciting applications in both pathogen identification and treatment, plant engineering, impressive results in animal and food systems, and much more. Myconanotechnology can be a good choice for green nanoparticle synthesis, as manufacturing via fungal resources is easy, inexpensive, and more sustainable. Mycosynthesis nanoparticles may be used in a range of fields, including agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine, and in a number of applications such as pathogen detection and diagnosis, control, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics, food preservation, textile fabrics, and many others. There is a growing need for a deeper understanding of molecular biology and genetic factors behind fungal nanobiosynthetic pathways. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight new identification, treatment, and antifungal nanotherapy methods that are currently being implemented or under development for invasive fungal infections, including human, animal, plant, and entomopathogenic fungi. This topic also focuses on the use of nanobiofungicides as effective alternatives for the environmentally sustainable control of pathogenic and toxigenic fungi in the coming decades.

Dr. Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • antifungal nanotherapy
  • nanofungicides
  • nanodiagnostics
  • nanomycotoxicology

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue: Fungal Nanotechnology 2
by Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050553 - 11 May 2023
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
Fungal nanotechnology provides techniques useful for molecular and cell biology, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, veterinary physiology, and reproduction. This technology also has exciting potential applications in pathogen identification and treatment, as well as impressive outcomes in the animal and food systems. Myconanotechnology is a [...] Read more.
Fungal nanotechnology provides techniques useful for molecular and cell biology, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, veterinary physiology, and reproduction. This technology also has exciting potential applications in pathogen identification and treatment, as well as impressive outcomes in the animal and food systems. Myconanotechnology is a viable option for the synthesis of green nanoparticles because it is simple, affordable, and more environmentally friendly to use fungal resources. Mycosynthesis nanoparticles can be used for various purposes, such as pathogen detection and diagnosis, control, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics, food preservation, and textile fabrics, among other applications. They can be applied to a variety of industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine. Gaining deeper comprehension of the molecular biology and genetic components underlying the fungal nanobiosynthetic processes is becoming increasingly important. This Special Issue aims to showcase recent advancements in invasive fungal diseases caused by human, animal, plant, and entomopathogenic fungi that are being identified, treated, and treated using antifungal nanotherapy. Utilizing fungus in nanotechnology has several benefits, such as their capacity to create nanoparticles with distinctive characteristics. As an illustration, some fungi can create nanoparticles that are highly stable, biocompatible, and have antibacterial capabilities. Fungal nanoparticles may be used in a variety of industries, including biomedicine, environmental cleanup, and food preservation. Fungal nanotechnology is also a sustainable and environmentally beneficial method. Fungi are an appealing alternative to conventional chemical methods of creating nanoparticles because they are simple to cultivate using affordable substrates and may be cultivated under diverse conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 6171 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Cupric Oxide Loaded 2D Structure Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) Nanocomposite: In Vitro Anti-Bacterial and Fungal Interaction Studies
by Rajendran Lakshmi Priya, Bheeranna Kariyanna, Sengodan Karthi, Raja Sudhakaran, Sundaram Ganesh Babu and Radhakrishnan Vidya
J. Fungi 2023, 9(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9030310 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1770
Abstract
The active and inexpensive catalyst cupric oxide (CuO) loaded foliar fertilizer of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is investigated for biological applications due to its low cost and easy synthesis. The synthesized CuO NPs, bulk g-C3N [...] Read more.
The active and inexpensive catalyst cupric oxide (CuO) loaded foliar fertilizer of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is investigated for biological applications due to its low cost and easy synthesis. The synthesized CuO NPs, bulk g-C3N4, exfoliated g-C3N4, and different weight percentages of 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, and 70 wt% CuO-loaded g-C3N4 are characterized using different analytical techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The nanocomposite of CuO NPs loaded g-C3N4 exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The 20 μg/mL of 70 wt% CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed an efficiency of 98% for Gram-positive bacteria, 80% for E. Coli, and 85% for P. aeruginosa. In the same way, since the 70 wt% CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed the best results for antibacterial activity, the same compound was evaluated for anti-fungal activity. For this purpose, the fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma viride were used. The anti-fungal activity experiments were not conducted in the presence of sunlight, and no appreciable fungal inhibition was observed. As per the literature, the presence of the catalyst g-C3N4, without an external light source, reduces the fungal inhibition performance. Hence, in the future, some modifications in the experimental conditions should be considered to improve the anti-fungal activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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15 pages, 6243 KiB  
Article
Co-Application of Silver Nanoparticles and Symbiotic Fungus Piriformospora indica Improves Secondary Metabolite Production in Black Rice
by Shikha Solanki, G. B. V. S. Lakshmi, Tarun Dhiman, Samta Gupta, Pratima R. Solanki, Rupam Kapoor and Ajit Varma
J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020260 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
In the current research, unique Nano-Embedded Fungus (NEF), made by the synergic association of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and endophytic fungus (Piriformospora indica), is studied, and the impact of NEF on black rice secondary metabolites is reported. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical [...] Read more.
In the current research, unique Nano-Embedded Fungus (NEF), made by the synergic association of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and endophytic fungus (Piriformospora indica), is studied, and the impact of NEF on black rice secondary metabolites is reported. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction process using the temperature-dependent method and characterized for morphological and structural features through UV visible absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, XRD, SEM-EDX, and FTIR spectroscopy. The NEF, prepared by optimizing the AgNPs concentration (300 ppm) in agar and broth media, showed better fungal biomass, colony diameter, spore count, and spore size than the control P. indica. Treatment with AgNPs, P. indica, and NEF resulted in growth enhancement in black rice. NEF and AgNPs stimulated the production of secondary metabolites in its leaves. The concentrations of chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were increased in plants inoculated with P. indica and AgNPs. The findings of the study highlight the synergistic effect of AgNPs and the fungal symbionts in augmenting the secondary metabolites in leaves of black rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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16 pages, 53550 KiB  
Article
Trichoderma-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Activities
by Balagangadharaswamy Shobha, Bagepalli Shivaram Ashwini, Mohammed Ghazwani, Umme Hani, Banan Atwah, Maryam S. Alhumaidi, Sumanth Basavaraju, Srinivas Chowdappa, Tekupalli Ravikiran, Shadma Wahab, Wasim Ahmad, Thimappa Ramachandrappa Lakshmeesha and Mohammad Azam Ansari
J. Fungi 2023, 9(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020133 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health concern and one of the gravest challenges to humanity today. Antibiotic resistance has been acquired by certain bacterial strains. As a result, new antibacterial drugs are urgently required to combat resistant microorganisms. Species of Trichoderma are [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health concern and one of the gravest challenges to humanity today. Antibiotic resistance has been acquired by certain bacterial strains. As a result, new antibacterial drugs are urgently required to combat resistant microorganisms. Species of Trichoderma are known to produce a wide range of enzymes and secondary metabolites that can be exploited for the synthesis of nanoparticles. In the present study, Trichoderma asperellum was isolated from rhizosphere soil and used for the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs. To examine the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs against human pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used. The obtained antibacterial results show that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs were efficient antibacterial agents against the pathogens E. coli and S. aureus, with an inhibition zone of 3–9 mm. The ZnO NPs were also effective in the prevention of S. aureus biofilm formation and adherence. The current work shows that the MIC dosages of ZnO NPs (25, 50, and 75 μg/mL) have effective antibacterial activity and antibiofilm action against S. aureus. As a result, ZnO NPs can be used as a part of combination therapy for drug-resistant S. aureus infections, where biofilm development is critical for disease progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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18 pages, 4831 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Activity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles against Root Rot Disease in Cucumber
by Said M. Kamel, Samah F. Elgobashy, Reda I. Omara, Aly S. Derbalah, Mahmoud Abdelfatah, Abdelhamed El-Shaer, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Ahmed Abdelkhalek, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Tarek Essa, Muhammad Kamran and Mohsen Mohamed Elsharkawy
J. Fungi 2022, 8(9), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8090911 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2624
Abstract
Metal oxide nanoparticles have recently garnered interest as potentially valuable substances for the management of plant diseases. Copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu2ONPs) were chemically fabricated to control root rot disease in cucumbers. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence [...] Read more.
Metal oxide nanoparticles have recently garnered interest as potentially valuable substances for the management of plant diseases. Copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu2ONPs) were chemically fabricated to control root rot disease in cucumbers. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) were employed to characterize the produced nanoparticles. Moreover, the direct antifungal activity of Cu2ONPs against Fusarium solani under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions were also evaluated. In addition, the induction of host-plant resistance by Cu2ONPs was confirmed by the results of enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase) and gene expression (PR-1 and LOX-1). Finally, the effect of Cu2ONPs on the growth and productivity characteristics of the treated cucumber plants was investigated. The average particle size from all the peaks was found to be around 25.54 and 25.83 nm for 0.30 and 0.35 Cu2O, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, the study found that Cu2ONPs had a greater inhibitory effect on the growth of Fusarium solani than the untreated control. Cu2ONP treatment considerably reduced the disease incidence of the root rot pathogen in cucumber plants in both greenhouse and field environments. Defense enzyme activity and defense genes (PR1 and LOX1) transcription levels were higher in cucumber plants treated with Cu2ONPs and fungicide than in the untreated control. SEM analysis revealed irregularities, changes, twisting, and plasmolysis in the mycelia, as well as spore shrinking and collapsing in F. solani treated with Cu2ONPs, compared to the untreated control. The anatomical analysis revealed that cucumber plants treated with Cu2ONPs had thicker cell walls, root cortex, and mesophyll tissue (MT) than untreated plants. Cucumber growth and yield characteristics were greatly improved after treatment with Cu2ONPs and fungicide. To the best of our knowledge, employing Cu2ONPs to treat cucumber rot root disease is a novel strategy that has not yet been reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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22 pages, 5306 KiB  
Article
Polyphenol-Capped Biogenic Synthesis of Noble Metallic Silver Nanoparticles for Antifungal Activity against Candida auris
by Maqsood Ahmad Malik, Maha G. Batterjee, Majid Rasool Kamli, Khalid Ahmed Alzahrani, Ekram Y. Danish and Arshid Nabi
J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060639 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3009
Abstract
In terms of reduced toxicity, the biologically inspired green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising alternative to chemically fabricated nanoparticles. The use of a highly stable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly aqueous extract of Cynara cardunculus as a reducing and capping agent [...] Read more.
In terms of reduced toxicity, the biologically inspired green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a promising alternative to chemically fabricated nanoparticles. The use of a highly stable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly aqueous extract of Cynara cardunculus as a reducing and capping agent in this study demonstrated the possibility of green manufacturing of silver nanoparticles (CC-AgNPs). UV–visible spectroscopy validated the development of CC-AgNPs, indicating the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) λmax band at 438 nm. The band gap of CC-AgNPs was found to be 2.26 eV. SEM and TEM analysis examined the surface morphology of CC-AgNPs, and micrographs revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical. The crystallinity, crystallite size, and phase purity of as-prepared nanoparticles were confirmed using XRD analysis, and it was confirmed that the CC-AgNPs were a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline-structured material. Furthermore, the role of active functional groups involved in the reduction and surface capping of CC-AgNPs was revealed using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic technique. CC-AgNPs were mostly spherical and monodispersed, with an average size of 26.89 nm, and were shown to be stable for a longer period without any noticeable change at room temperature. Further, we checked the antifungal mechanism of CC-AgNPs against C. auris MRL6057. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were 50.0 µg/mL and 100.0 µg/mL respectively. The cell count and viability assay confirmed the fungicidal potential of CC-AgNPs. Further, the analysis showed that CC-AgNPs could induce apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in C. auris MRL6057. Our results also suggest that the CC-AgNPs were responsible for the induction of mitochondrial toxicity. TUNEL assay results revealed that higher concentrations of CC-AgNPs could cause DNA fragmentation. Therefore, the present study suggested that CC-AgNPs hold the capacity for antifungal drug development against C. auris infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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16 pages, 3496 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Silver Nanoparticles Based on Chitosan: Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Wound-Healing Activities
by Amr M. Shehabeldine, Salem S. Salem, Omar M. Ali, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Fathy M. Elkady and Amr H. Hashem
J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060612 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 4030
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to create chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Chi/Ag-NPs) and determine whether they were cytotoxic and also to determine their characteristic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound healing activities. Recently, the development of an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing metal [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to create chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Chi/Ag-NPs) and determine whether they were cytotoxic and also to determine their characteristic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and wound healing activities. Recently, the development of an efficient and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles based on polysaccharides has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nanotechnology. Colloidal Chi/Ag-NPs are prepared by chemical reduction of silver ions in the presence of Chi, giving Chi/Ag-NPs. Physiochemical properties are determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analyses. TEM pictures indicate that the generated Chi/Ag-NPs are nearly spherical in shape with a thin chitosan covering around the Ag core and had sizes in the range of 9–65 nm. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a resazurin-mediated microtiter plate assay. The highest activity was observed with the lowest concentration of Chi/Ag-NPs, which was 12.5 µg/mL for both bacterial strains. Additionally, Chi/Ag-NPs showed promising antifungal features against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus niger, where inhibition zones were 22, 29, 20, and 17 mm, respectively. Likewise, Chi/Ag-NPs revealed potential antioxidant activity is 92, 90, and 75% at concentrations of 4000, 2000, and 1000 µg/mL, where the IC50 of Chi/Ag-NPs was 261 µg/mL. Wound healing results illustrated that fibroblasts advanced toward the opening to close the scratch wound by roughly 50.5% after a 24-h exposure to Chi/Ag-NPs, greatly accelerating the wound healing process. In conclusion, a nanocomposite based on AgNPs and chitosan was successfully prepared and exhibited antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, antioxidant, and wound healing activities that can be used in the medical field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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15 pages, 4241 KiB  
Article
Biological Synthesis of Low Cytotoxicity Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum—Sustainable Nanotechnology
by Mariana Fuinhas Alves, Ariane Caroline Campos Paschoal, Tabata D’Maiella Freitas Klimeck, Crisciele Kuligovski, Bruna Hilzendeger Marcon, Alessandra Melo de Aguiar and Patrick G. Murray
J. Fungi 2022, 8(6), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8060605 - 04 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2462
Abstract
Fungal biotechnology research has rapidly increased as a result of the growing awareness of sustainable development and the pressing need to explore eco-friendly options. In the nanotechnology field, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently being studied for application in cancer therapy, tumour detection, drug [...] Read more.
Fungal biotechnology research has rapidly increased as a result of the growing awareness of sustainable development and the pressing need to explore eco-friendly options. In the nanotechnology field, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are currently being studied for application in cancer therapy, tumour detection, drug delivery, and elsewhere. Therefore, synthesising nanoparticles (NPs) with low toxicity has become essential in the biomedical area. The fungus Chaetomium thermophilum (C. thermophilum) was here investigated—to the best of our knowledge, for the first time—for application in the production of AgNPs. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) images demonstrated a spherical AgNP shape, with an average size of 8.93 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) confirmed the presence of elemental silver. A neutral red uptake (NRU) test evaluated the cytotoxicity of the AgNPs at different inhibitory concentrations (ICs). A half-maximal concentration (IC50 = 119.69 µg/mL) was used to predict a half-maximal lethal dose (LD50 = 624.31 mg/kg), indicating a Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) acute toxicity estimate (ATE) classification category of 4. The fungus extract showed a non-toxic profile at the IC tested. Additionally, the interaction between the AgNPs and the Balb/c 3T3 NIH cells at an ultrastructural level resulted in preserved cells structures at non-toxic concentrations (IC20 = 91.77 µg/mL), demonstrating their potential as sustainable substitutes for physical and chemically made AgNPs. Nonetheless, at the IC50, the cytoplasm of the cells was damaged and mitochondrial morphological alteration was evident. This fact highlights the fact that dose-dependent phenomena are involved, as well as emphasising the importance of investigating NPs’ effects on mitochondria, as disruption to this organelle can impact health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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13 pages, 3280 KiB  
Article
Biological Synthesis of Monodisperse Uniform-Size Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Fungal Cell-Free Extracts at Elevated Temperature and pH
by Mariana Fuinhas Alves and Patrick G. Murray
J. Fungi 2022, 8(5), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8050439 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2599
Abstract
Fungi’s ability to convert organic materials into bioactive products offers environmentally friendly solutions for diverse industries. In the nanotechnology field, fungi metabolites have been explored for green nanoparticle synthesis. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) research has grown rapidly over recent years mainly due to the [...] Read more.
Fungi’s ability to convert organic materials into bioactive products offers environmentally friendly solutions for diverse industries. In the nanotechnology field, fungi metabolites have been explored for green nanoparticle synthesis. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) research has grown rapidly over recent years mainly due to the enhanced optical, antimicrobial and anticancer properties of AgNPs, which make them extremely useful in the biomedicine and biotechnology field. However, the biological synthesis mechanism is still not fully established. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of time, temperature and pH variation in AgNP synthesis using three different fungi phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Zygomycota) represented by six different fungi species: Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana), Penicillium antarcticum (P. antarcticum), Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor), Trichoderma martiale (T. martiale), Umbelopsis isabellina (U. isabellina) and Bjerkandera adusta (B. adusta). Ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results demonstrated the synthesis of AgNPs of different sizes (3 to 17 nm) and dispersity percentages (25 to 95%, within the same size range) using fungi extracts by changing physicochemical reaction parameters. It was observed that higher temperatures (90 °C) associated with basic pH (9 and 12) favoured the synthesis of monodisperse small AgNPs. Previous studies demonstrated enhanced antibacterial and anticancer properties correlated with smaller nanoparticle sizes. Therefore, the biologically synthesised AgNPs shown in this study have potential as sustainable substitutes for chemically made antibacterial and anticancer products. It was also shown that not all fungi species (B. adusta) secrete metabolites capable of reducing silver nitrate (AgNO3) precursors into AgNPs, demonstrating the importance of fungal screening studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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16 pages, 2447 KiB  
Article
Mycosynthesis, Characterization, and Mosquitocidal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Aspergillus niger Strain
by Mohamed A. Awad, Ahmed M. Eid, Tarek M. Y. Elsheikh, Zarraq E. Al-Faifi, Nadia Saad, Mahmoud H. Sultan, Samy Selim, Areej A. Al-Khalaf and Amr Fouda
J. Fungi 2022, 8(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8040396 - 13 Apr 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2915
Abstract
Herein, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized using an environmentally friendly approach by harnessing the metabolites of Aspergillus niger F2. The successful formation of Ag-NPs was checked by a color change to yellowish-brown, followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy [...] Read more.
Herein, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized using an environmentally friendly approach by harnessing the metabolites of Aspergillus niger F2. The successful formation of Ag-NPs was checked by a color change to yellowish-brown, followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Data showed the successful formation of crystalline Ag-NPs with a spherical shape at the maximum surface plasmon resonance of 420 nm with a size range of 3–13 nm. The Ag-NPs showed high toxicity against I, II, III, and IV instar larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti with LC50 and LC90 values of 12.4–22.9 ppm and 22.4–41.4 ppm, respectively under laboratory conditions. The field assay exhibited the highest reduction in larval density due to treatment with Ag-NPs (10× LC50) with values of 59.6%, 74.7%, and 100% after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The exposure of A. aegypti adults to the vapor of burning Ag-NPs-based coils caused a reduction of unfed individuals with a percentage of 81.6 ± 0.5% compared with the positive control, pyrethrin-based coils (86.1 ± 1.1%). The ovicidal activity of biosynthesized Ag-NPs caused the hatching of the eggs with percentages of 50.1 ± 0.9, 33.5 ± 1.1, 22.9 ± 1.1, and 13.7 ± 1.2% for concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm, whereas Ag-NPs at a concentration of 25 and 30 ppm caused complete egg mortality (100%). The obtained data confirmed the applicability of biosynthesized Ag-NPs to the biocontrol of A. aegypti at low concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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18 pages, 4655 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Effect of Copper Nanoparticles against Fusarium kuroshium, an Obligate Symbiont of Euwallacea kuroshio Ambrosia Beetle
by Enrique Ibarra-Laclette, Jazmín Blaz, Claudia-Anahí Pérez-Torres, Emanuel Villafán, Araceli Lamelas, Greta Rosas-Saito, Luis Arturo Ibarra-Juárez, Clemente de Jesús García-Ávila, Arturo Isaías Martínez-Enriquez and Nicolaza Pariona
J. Fungi 2022, 8(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8040347 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3816
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have shown great antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, making them a promising and affordable alternative to conventional fungicides. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal activity of Cu-NPs against Fusarium kuroshium, the causal agent of Fusarium dieback, and this [...] Read more.
Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) have shown great antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi, making them a promising and affordable alternative to conventional fungicides. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal activity of Cu-NPs against Fusarium kuroshium, the causal agent of Fusarium dieback, and this might be the first study to do so. The Cu-NPs (at different concentrations) inhibited more than 80% of F. kuroshium growth and were even more efficient than a commercial fungicide used as a positive control (cupric hydroxide). Electron microscopy studies revealed dramatic damage caused by Cu-NPs, mainly in the hyphae surface and in the characteristic form of macroconidia. This damage was visible only 3 days post inoculation with used treatments. At a molecular level, the RNA-seq study suggested that this growth inhibition and colony morphology changes are a result of a reduced ergosterol biosynthesis caused by free cytosolic copper ions. Furthermore, transcriptional responses also revealed that the low- and high-affinity copper transporter modulation and the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) are only a few of the distinct detoxification mechanisms that, in its conjunction, F. kuroshium uses to counteract the toxicity caused by the reduced copper ion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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18 pages, 3329 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Wheat Leaf Rust Control Using Chitosan Nanoparticles and Salicylic Acid
by Mohsen Mohamed Elsharkawy, Reda Ibrahim Omara, Yasser Sabry Mostafa, Saad Abdulrahman Alamri, Mohamed Hashem, Sulaiman A. Alrumman and Abdelmonim Ali Ahmad
J. Fungi 2022, 8(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030304 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3280
Abstract
Wheat leaf rust is one of the world’s most widespread rusts. The progress of the disease was monitored using two treatments: chitosan nanoparticles and salicylic acid (SA), as well as three application methods; spraying before or after the inoculation by 24 h, and [...] Read more.
Wheat leaf rust is one of the world’s most widespread rusts. The progress of the disease was monitored using two treatments: chitosan nanoparticles and salicylic acid (SA), as well as three application methods; spraying before or after the inoculation by 24 h, and spraying both before and after the inoculation by 24 h. Urediniospore germination was significantly different between the two treatments. Wheat plants tested for latent and incubation periods, pustule size and receptivity and infection type showed significantly reduced leaf rust when compared to untreated plants. Pucciniatriticina urediniospores showed abnormalities, collapse, lysis, and shrinkage as a result of chitosan nanoparticles treatment. The enzymes, peroxidase and catalase, were increased in the activities. In both treatments, superoxide (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), were apparent as purple and brown discolorations. Chitosan nanoparticles and SA treatments resulted in much more discoloration and quantitative measurements than untreated plants. In anatomical examinations, chitosan nanoparticles enhanced thickness of blade (µ), thickness of mesophyll tissue, thickness of the lower and upper epidermis and bundle length and width in the midrib compared to the control. In the control treatment’s top epidermis, several sori and a large number of urediniospores were found. Most anatomical characters of flag leaves in control plants were reduced by biotic stress with P. triticina. Transcription levels of PR1-PR5 and PR10 genes were activated in chitosan nanoparticles treated plants at 0, 1 and 2 days after inoculation. In light of the data, we suggest that the prospective use of chitosan nanoparticles might be an eco-friendly strategy to improve growth and control of leaf rust disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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19 pages, 5409 KiB  
Article
Myco-Synthesized Molluscicidal and Larvicidal Selenium Nanoparticles: A New Strategy to Control Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails and Larvae of Schistosoma mansoni with an In Silico Study on Induced Oxidative Stress
by Mostafa Y. Morad, Heba El-Sayed, Ahmed A. Elhenawy, Shereen M. Korany, Abeer S. Aloufi and Amina M. Ibrahim
J. Fungi 2022, 8(3), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030262 - 04 Mar 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3285
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease with socioeconomic problems. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of myco-synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) as a molluscicide on Biomphlaria alexandrina snails, with the goal of reducing disease spread via non-toxic routes. In this study, Penicillium [...] Read more.
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease with socioeconomic problems. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of myco-synthesized nano-selenium (SeNPs) as a molluscicide on Biomphlaria alexandrina snails, with the goal of reducing disease spread via non-toxic routes. In this study, Penicillium chrysogenum culture filtrate metabolites were used as a reductant for selenium ions to form nano-selenium. The SeNPs were characterized via UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Myco-synthesized SeNPs had a significant molluscicidal effect on B. alexandrina snails after 96 h of exposure at a concentration of 5.96 mg/L. SeNPs also had miracidicidal and cercaricidal properties against S. mansoni. Some alterations were observed in the hemocytes of snails exposed to SeNPs, including the formation of pseudopodia and an increasing number of granules. Furthermore, lipid peroxide, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione s-transferase (GST) increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased. The comet assay revealed that myco-synthesized SeNPs could cause breaks in the DNA levels. In silico study revealed that SeNPs had promising antioxidant properties. In conclusion, myco-synthesized SeNPs have the potential to be used as molluscicides and larvicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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15 pages, 23985 KiB  
Article
Pseudomonas indica-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Antifungal and Antioxidant Biogenic Tool for Suppressing Mucormycosis Fungi
by Salem S. Salem, Omar M. Ali, Ahmed M. Reyad, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam and Amr H. Hashem
J. Fungi 2022, 8(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8020126 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 4237
Abstract
Mucormycosis is considered one of the most dangerous invasive fungal diseases. In this study, a facile, green and eco-friendly method was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pseudomonas indica S. Azhar, to combat fungi causing mucormycosis. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was validated [...] Read more.
Mucormycosis is considered one of the most dangerous invasive fungal diseases. In this study, a facile, green and eco-friendly method was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Pseudomonas indica S. Azhar, to combat fungi causing mucormycosis. The biosynthesis of AgNPs was validated by a progressive shift in the color of P. indica filtrate from colorless to brown, as well as the identification of a distinctive absorption peak at 420 nm using UV-vis spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicated the existence of bioactive chemicals that are responsible for AgNP production. AgNPs with particle sizes ranging from 2.4 to 53.5 nm were discovered using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pattern peaks corresponding to the 111, 200, 220, 311, and 222 planes, which corresponded to face-centered cubic forms of metallic silver, were also discovered using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, antifungal activity measurements of biosynthesized AgNPs against Rhizopus Microsporus, Mucor racemosus, and Syncephalastrum racemosum were carried out. Results of antifungal activity analysis revealed that the biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited outstanding antifungal activity against all tested fungi at a concentration of 400 µg/mL, where minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 50, 50, and 100 µg/mL toward R. microsporus, S. racemosum, and M. racemosus respectively. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs revealed antioxidant activity, where IC50 was 31 µg/mL when compared to ascorbic acid (0.79 µg/mL). Furthermore, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed no cytotoxicity on the Vero normal cell line. In conclusion, the biosynthesized AgNPs in this study can be used as effective antifungals with safe use, particularly for fungi causing mucormycosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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20 pages, 5246 KiB  
Article
Trichoderma harzianum-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles: A Green Tool for Controlling Soil-Borne Pathogens in Cotton
by Shimaa A. Zaki, Salama A. Ouf, Fawziah M. Albarakaty, Marian M. Habeb, Aly A. Aly and Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
J. Fungi 2021, 7(11), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7110952 - 10 Nov 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3708
Abstract
ZnO-based nanomaterials have high antifungal effects, such as inhibition of growth and reproduction of some pathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Therefore, we report the extracellular synthesis of ZnONPs using a potential fungal antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum [...] Read more.
ZnO-based nanomaterials have high antifungal effects, such as inhibition of growth and reproduction of some pathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Therefore, we report the extracellular synthesis of ZnONPs using a potential fungal antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum). ZnONPs were then characterized for their size, shape, charge and composition by visual analysis, UV–visible spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The TEM test confirmed that the size of the produced ZnONPs was 8–23 nm. The green synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies to reveal the functional group attributed to the formation of ZnONPs. For the first time, trichogenic ZnONPs were shown to have fungicidal action against three soil–cotton pathogenic fungi in the laboratory and greenhouse. An antifungal examination was used to evaluate the bioactivity of the mycogenic ZnONPs in addition to two chemical fungicides (Moncut and Maxim XL) against three soil-borne pathogens, including Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The findings of this study show a novel fungicidal activity in in vitro assay for complete inhibition of fungal growth of tested plant pathogenic fungi, as well as a considerable reduction in cotton seedling disease symptoms under greenhouse conditions. The formulation of a trichogenic ZnONPs form was found to increase its antifungal effect significantly. Finally, the utilization of biocontrol agents, such as T. harzianum, could be a safe strategy for the synthesis of a medium-scale of ZnONPs and employ it for fungal disease control in cotton. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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Review

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22 pages, 1659 KiB  
Review
Trichoderma: An Eco-Friendly Source of Nanomaterials for Sustainable Agroecosystems
by Mousa A. Alghuthaymi, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Hussien M. AboDalam, Farah K. Ahmed, Mythili Ravichandran, Anu Kalia and Mahendra Rai
J. Fungi 2022, 8(4), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8040367 - 02 Apr 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6769
Abstract
Traditional nanoparticle (NP) synthesis methods are expensive and generate hazardous products. It is essential to limit the risk of toxicity in the environment from the chemicals as high temperature and pressure is employed in chemical and physical procedures. One of the green strategies [...] Read more.
Traditional nanoparticle (NP) synthesis methods are expensive and generate hazardous products. It is essential to limit the risk of toxicity in the environment from the chemicals as high temperature and pressure is employed in chemical and physical procedures. One of the green strategies used for sustainable manufacturing is microbial nanoparticle synthesis, which connects microbiology with nanotechnology. Employing biocontrol agents Trichoderma and Hypocrea (Teleomorphs), an ecofriendly and rapid technique of nanoparticle biosynthesis has been reported in several studies which may potentially overcome the constraints of the chemical and physical methods of nanoparticle biosynthesis. The emphasis of this review is on the mycosynthesis of several metal nanoparticles from Trichoderma species for use in agri-food applications. The fungal-cell or cell-extract-derived NPs (mycogenic NPs) can be applied as nanofertilizers, nanofungicides, plant growth stimulators, nano-coatings, and so on. Further, Trichoderma-mediated NPs have also been utilized in environmental remediation approaches such as pollutant removal and the detection of pollutants, including heavy metals contaminants. The plausible benefits and pitfalls associated with the development of useful products and approaches to trichogenic NPs are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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20 pages, 1877 KiB  
Review
Metal Nanoparticles as Novel Antifungal Agents for Sustainable Agriculture: Current Advances and Future Directions
by Aida R. Cruz-Luna, Heriberto Cruz-Martínez, Alfonso Vásquez-López and Dora I. Medina
J. Fungi 2021, 7(12), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7121033 - 01 Dec 2021
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 6130
Abstract
The use of metal nanoparticles is considered a good alternative to control phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. To date, numerous metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Cu, Se, Ni, Mg, and Fe) have been synthesized and used as potential antifungal agents. Therefore, this proposal presents a [...] Read more.
The use of metal nanoparticles is considered a good alternative to control phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. To date, numerous metal nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, Cu, Se, Ni, Mg, and Fe) have been synthesized and used as potential antifungal agents. Therefore, this proposal presents a critical and detailed review of the use of these nanoparticles to control phytopathogenic fungi. Ag nanoparticles have been the most investigated nanoparticles due to their good antifungal activities, followed by Cu nanoparticles. It was also found that other metal nanoparticles have been investigated as antifungal agents, such as Se, Ni, Mg, Pd, and Fe, showing prominent results. Different synthesis methods have been used to produce these nanoparticles with different shapes and sizes, which have shown outstanding antifungal activities. This review shows the success of the use of metal nanoparticles to control phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Nanotechnology 2.0)
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