Title : Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits extract: characterization of particles and study of fungi effect

Abstract:

The production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits extract was studied. The aqueous 10mM AgNO₃ solution when subjected to V. myrtillus extract was bio-reduced and ensued in green synthesis of AgNPs. The aqueous bilberry solution was enriched with polyphenols (6.89mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoids (1.51 mg/g catechin equivalent). The AgNPs synthesis was manifested by a color change from colorless to yellow brown after the introduction of fruits extract of V. myrtillus. The formation of nanoparticles was monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the intensity of the surface plasmon resonance band (SPR) of silver. This green procedure has high yields without application of toxic reagents or surfactant template.

As methods of study the AgNPs interactions with environmental microorganisms, like Phanerochaete chrysosporium, the biochemical assays of defense systems of antioxidative activity and proteins contents were applied. The lipid peroxidation, expressed as malondialdehyde content has been also evaluated. Overall, results showed a variation of activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in fungus mycelium depending on the concentration of AgNPs and the age of fungus after inoculation.

Biography:

Oprica Lacramioara obtained her PhD degree at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University Iasi where she works, in present, as lecturer at Biochemistry Department, Biology Faculty. Her researches are focuses on quantification of physiological and biochemical parameters involved in oxidative stress (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) occurring in plants and microorganisms under abiotic stress conditions. The dissemination of the obtained results was done by publishing over 150 peer-reviewed journal papers (as author or co-author) in the areas of Plant Environmental Stress Physiology, Natural Product Chemistry, Cellulolitytic Fungi Biotechnology and Green Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles. She has acted as a scientific referee for national and international journals in the fields of biochemistry.