Silver nanoparticles biosynthesis and impregnation in cellulose acetate membrane for anti-yeast therapy

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are nanoforms that express higher antimicrobial potential due to their shape and reduced size. The use of fungi to mediate the synthesis of AgNPs has increased the interest of scientists because of their rapid growth, large-scale cultivation and secretion of non-toxic molecules. The aim of this study was to synthesize AgNPs mediated by Aspergillus oryzae DPUA 1624 and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these molecules incorporated in cellulose acetate nanomembranes (NanoMAC). The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy and the characterization was performed by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray dispersive energy and advanced spectroscopy and spectroscopy methods. The synthesis of the membrane was done by electro-spinning and its thickness was analyzed in scanning electron microscope. The AgNPs were added to NanoMAC and the antimicrobial effect was evaluated by agar diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The aqueous extract of A. oryzae mediated the synthesis of AgNPs with rounded and some triangular shapes. The diameter and zeta potential of these particles were 61.15±11.45 nm and -28.7 mv, respectively. The NanoMAC with AgNPs showed an increase in antifungal activity of 24.22% when tested against C. albicans. This study demonstrated that A. oryzae is able to mediate AgNP synthesis with anti-yeast action and the impregnation of AgNPs in acetate cellulose nanomembranes resulted in the development of a more efficient antimicrobial nanocomposite.   Key words: Silver nanoparticles, Aspergillus oryzae, cellulose nanofibers, anti-yeast.