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Title: Identifying biochemical constituents involved in the mycosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Journal Article · · Nanoscale
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d4nr00624k · OSTI ID:2340904

Filamentous fungi are known to secrete biochemicals that drive the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) that vary in composition, size, and shape; a process deemed mycosynthesis. Following the introduction of precursor salts directly to the fungal mycelia or their exudates, mycosynthesis proceeds at ambient temperature and pressure, and near neutral pH, presenting significant energy and cost savings over traditional chemical or physical approaches. The mycosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs by various fungi exhibited a species dependent morphological preference for the resulting NPs, suggesting that key differences in the biochemical makeup of their individual exudates may regulate the controlled nucleation and growth of these different morphologies. Metabolomics and proteomics of the various fungal exudates suggest that metal chelators, such as hexamethylenetetramine, present in high concentrations in exudates of Aspergillus versicolor are critical for the production dense, well-formed, spheroid nanoparticles. Further, the results also corroborate that the proteinaceous material in the production of ZnO NPs serves as a surface modifier, or protein corona, preventing excessive coagulation of the NPs. Collectively, these findings suggest that NP morphology is regulated by the small molecule metabolites, and not proteins, present in fungal exudates, establishing a deeper understanding of the factors and mechanism underlying mycosynthesis of NPs.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003525; 89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
2340904
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2338235; OSTI ID: 2351017
Report Number(s):
SAND--2024-06156J; LA-UR--23-32937
Journal Information:
Nanoscale, Journal Name: Nanoscale Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 16; ISSN 2040-3364
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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