Mushroom-Mediated Synthesis of Ag, Fe, and Ag-Fe Nanoparticles of Pleorotus ostreatus: Surface Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Conventional methods for nanoparticle synthesis are often associated with environmental pollution, underscoring the need for safer, more eco-friendly alternatives. Plants and fungi-mediated synthesis offer a green chemistry approach by harnessing natural biological systems for nanomaterial production. In this study, Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom) extract was employed as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of Ag (silver), Fe (Iron), and Ag-Fe (silver-iron) bimetallic nanoparticles. The synthesis was optimised by varying reaction parameters, and the nanoparticles were characterised using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed particle sizes ranging from 2-46.7 mm with spherical, triangular and rod-shaped morphologies and crystalline structures. The antimicrobial activities of the nanoparticles were assessed against bacterial and fungal strains, revealing dose-dependent inhibitory effects across all tested microorganisms. These findings demonstrate that Pleurotus ostreatus-mediated synthesis provides a sustainable route for producing mono and bimetallic nanoparticles with promising antimicrobial potential.