Biosynthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles by Yeasts
Author Information
Author(s): Ana Mourato, Mário Gadanho, Ana R. Lino, Rogério Tenreiro
Primary Institution: Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa
Hypothesis
Can extremophilic yeasts reduce silver and gold ions to nanoparticles?
Conclusion
Extremophilic yeasts can grow in the presence of silver and gold ions and produce nanocrystalline silver and gold particles.
Supporting Evidence
- The yeast strain can grow in the presence of silver ions up to 1.5 mM.
- Gold ions above 0.09 mM inhibit yeast growth.
- Silver nanoparticles produced were smaller than 20 nm.
- Gold nanoparticles ranged from 30 to 100 nm in diameter.
Takeaway
Some tiny living things called yeasts can turn silver and gold into even tinier particles, which can be useful for many things.
Methodology
The study involved growing yeast in the presence of metal ions and analyzing the resulting nanoparticles using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term stability of the nanoparticles in various environments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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