Biosynthesis and characterization of AuNPs produced using Termitomyces heimii pellets

Abstract

A green chemistry approach to the synthesis of AuNPs using the pelletized culture of Termitomyces heimii has been attempted. The treatment of pellets of Termitomyces heimii and chloroauric acid resulted in the formation of AuNPs. These were characterized using various techniques like UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed the color change of the interaction mixture from light yellow to purple after 25 min. AuNPs showed max absorbance at 530 nm using a UV-visible spectrum, as evident in forming AuNPs. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of functional groups related to peptides, proteins, monosaccharides, and phenolic compounds, which reduced Gold ions. The EDX technique confirmed the formation of AuNPs. XRD results showed that AuNPs have a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal. The TEM images showed a successful synthesis of triangular nano prisms to nearly spherical and hexagonal with different sizes ranging between 20 and 150 nm.