Abstract The present study focuses on a simple, low-cost and rapid bio-reduction of silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the hot water extract of fresh basidiocarps of Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus. P. cornucopiae is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties. The UV–visible (UV–vis) spectra showed intense absorption peaks at 400 to 500 nm, which are typical absorption bands of spherical AgNPs. Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectra confirmed the involvement of various functional groups present in the biomolecules for reduction and capping of AgNPs. The spherical shaped morphology and

Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Pleurotus cornucopiae var.citrinopileatus and its inhibitory effects against Candida sp.Material Letters.153:186- 190

Fungi as veritable tool in current advances in nanobiotechnology

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom that has been used for the prevention and treatment of different ailments to enhance longevity and health specifically in China, Japan, and Korea. It was known as “God’s herb” in ancient China as it was believed to prolong life, enhance the youthful spirit and sustain/preserve vitality. G. lucidum is seldom collected from nature and is substantially cultivated on wood logs and sawdust in plastic bags or bottles to meet the international market demand. Both in vitro and in vivo studies on the copious metabolic activities of G. lucidum have been carried out. Varied groups of chemical compounds including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, steroids, lactones, lectins, fatty acids, and enzymes with potent pharmacological activities have been isolated from the mycelia and fruiting bodies of G. lucidum. Several researchers have reported the abundance and diversification of its biological actions triggered by these chemical compounds. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides of G. lucidum have been reported to possess cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antihistaminic effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic antiallergic, neuroprotective, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic activities. Various formulations have been developed, patented, and utilized as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals from G. lucidum extracts and active compounds. Thus, this review presents current updates on emerging infectious diseases and highlights the scope, dynamics, and advances in infectious disease management with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum, an unutilized natural medicine as a promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa. However, details such as the chemical compound and mode of action of each bioactive against different emerging diseases were not discussed in this study.

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Ganoderma lucidum: Unutilized natural medicine and promising future solution to emerging diseases in Africa

In nanobiotechnological research, mushrooms are of great interest. The high nutritional and medicinal value, phytochemicals, polysaccharide, protein, enzymes, glucan and other bioactive compounds present in mushrooms have made them sources of good precursors for nanoparticles synthesis. Mushrooms-mediated nanoparticles biosynthesis is an interesting research field, as these macrofungi act as eco-friendly biofactories that secrete enzymes and phytochemicals essential for metal ions reduction to zerovalent or nano-form. Nanotechnology provides a unique pathway of technological deliveries through biological entities’ revolution and exploration as found in mushrooms. The synthesis of nanomaterials physically or chemically raises concerns regarding toxic by-products. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles is now of great interest in the world as it provides safer environmental-friendly technique and biocompatible applications in contrast to the conventional methods of physical and chemical strategies. Several species of mushrooms such as Agaricus, Calocybe, Pleurotus, Ganoderma, Lentinula and Volvariella among others have been used for metallic nanoparticles synthesis and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal importance have been explored. Synthesized nanoparticles from mushroom enzymes such as α-amylase, laccase and other metabolites like polysaccharide and glucan may have their importance in bioremediation, bioleaching, biocatalysis, water purification and other industrial processes. Mushrooms are favoured in nanobiotechnology due to their relatively safe nature and ease of production, high stability and longer shelf life, enhanced biological activities of metabolites and enzymes coupled with ease of extraction. They exhibit higher stability, longer shelf life and enhanced biological activities. On this note, the concept and development of mushroom nanotechnology will be directed towards utility of mushrooms in biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the importance of mushroom-mediated nanoparticles and future role in addressing medical and industrial problems will also be explored.

M. A. Azeez

Papers

Mushroom Nanobiotechnology: Concepts, Developments and Potentials