Utilization of Morchella esculenta-mediated green synthesis golden nanoparticles in biomedicine applications

Abstract

This study aimed to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by hot water extract in room conditions using edible Morchella esculenta (ME) and investigate the bioactive properties of the synthesized Morchella esculenta-based gold nanoparticles (ME-AuNPs). The characterization of the biologically synthesized ME-AuNPs was made using the ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectrum methods. The ME-AuNPs, with a particle size of 16.51 nm, were found to have strong bioactive properties. The antioxidant activity of the ME-AuNPs attempted by metal chelating activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and the β-carotene linoleate model system. The activities at 10 mg/mL were 82, 85, and 77% for the chelation of ferrous ions, DPPH scavenging, and β-carotene linoleate tests, respectively. The ME-AuNPs also showed strong antimicrobial activity against various pathogen microorganisms and strong cytotoxic activity in the A549 and HepG2 cell lines. This study demonstrated the possibility of using a cheap and nontoxic fungal extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of size-controlled, large-scale, and biocompatible AuNPs that could be used in future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Keywords: A549; AuNPs; HepG2; Morchella esculenta; antimicrobial; antioxidant.