Biofabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Nostoc muscorum Lukesova 2/91: Optimization, Characterization, and Biological Applications

Abstract

Purpose: The biological synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has become a new methodology for the eco-friendly production of NPs with high scalability and biocompatibility. Cyanobacteria are one of the most widespread microorganisms on Earth and have been proven to be successful biofactories for synthesizing NPs. It is challenging to discover new microalgae with the potential to synthesize NPs of small size with high stability. Methods: Nostoc muscorum Lukesova 2/91 was isolated, purified, and identified morphologically and genetically using microscopy and DNA sequencing. Volatile biomolecules in aqueous algal extracts were assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: Data showed that the main biomolecules were fatty acids and their esters, followed by secondary metabolites. Algal extract was used to convert silver nitrate (AgNO3) into silver NPs under various optimized parameters. 1 mM of AgNO3, 1:1 (V/V ratio of algal extract to AgNO3), 25 °C, under light illumination, for 24 h, at pH 7.4 were the optimum conditions for NP production (Nos@AgNPs). Nos@AgNPs were characterized using UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, SEM, EDx, mapping, and a Zetasizer. The wavelength of Nos@AgNPs was 401.4 nm and their shapes were cubic to oval, with an average diameter of 11.8 ± 0.5 nm. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that proteins/ polysaccharides could be the main reductants, whereas these molecules and/or fatty acids could be stabilizers for NP synthesis. Nos@AgNPs (86.15%) was silver and had a hydrodynamic diameter of 10.7 nm with a potential charge of −19.7 mV. Antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of Nos@AgNPs were evaluated. Nos@AgNPs exhibited significant inhibitory activity against lung, colon, and breast cancer cells and considerable biocidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: N. muscorum Lukesova 2/91 is an excellent source for the biofabrication of small and stable AgNPs with potent inhibitory effects against cancer and bacterial cells.