Optimized synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the marine fungus Aspergillus terreus and its application against resistant nosocomial pathogens

Abstract

The prevalence of bacterial infections in hospitals is rising, endangering currently accessible, efficient medical treatments and increasing demand for novel medications. Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are showing promise as materials for the development of treatments and preventative measures. This study investigated the potential of the fungus Aspergillus terreus to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a means of creating green technology to synthesize NPs. The synthesis parameters were optimized using the central composite design (CCD). The formation of AgNPs by fungal biomass was confirmed by absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs were tested against three nosocomial drug-sensitive bacterial strains and their drug-resistant variants, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, and the multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The prepared AgNPs demonstrated good efficacies against the pathogens studied, and they merit further investigation to find treatments for infections caused by drug-resistant nosocomial pathogens.