Abstract :
Molds have been used as micro-biofactories for biomanufacturing of metal oxide nanoparticles (MetNps) since
they are effortless, immaculate, safe, non-poisonous, vital-biocompatible, and environmentally acceptable. The
present study aimed to explore the bioindustry, mold screening protocol, and characterization of zinc oxide
nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using a diverse filamentous Green mold (FiGM) isolated from spoiled citrus fruits.
Eight filamentous Penicillium digitatum mold strains had been obtained and subjected to investigate the
capability of ZnONPs biosynthesis by fungal extracellular free-cell filtrate. P. digitatum (P-digB3) obtained the
peak of ZnONps (379 nm) detected by the UV-visible spectrophotometry and was found as a significantly
optimum strain in the highest quantity (mean±SD: 0.0138±0.001 gm/100 ml) and the smallest average NPs size.
The ZnONPs were characterized by UV-visible scanning spectrophotometry, Atomic Force Microscopy, X-RD,
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The final average size of
ZnONPs was obtained at 65.46 nm with diversified shapes and dimensions. The present study concluded the
high capabilities of fungi (FiGMs) as eco-friendly and cheap bio-nano factories to manufacture ZnONPs with
great nano-level average size, which may consider new boost sources for use in many nano-sectors and
applications.
Keywords :
ZnONPs , Zincum gluconicum , SEM and TEM , P. digitatum (Pdig-B3)