Process Optimization for the Bioinspired Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Cordyceps militaris, Its Characterization, and Assessment of Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy

• Published in: Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2023-09, Vol.16 (9), p.1311
• Main Authors: Gawas, Girish, Ayyanar, Muniappan, Gurav, Nilambari, Hase, Dinesh, Murade, Vaishali, Nadaf, Sameer, Khan, Mohd Shahnawaz, Chikhale, Rupesh, Kalaskar, Mohan, Gurav, Shailendra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antidiabetic activity; antioxidant activity; Antioxidants; Aqueous solutions; central composite design; Gold; green synthesis; Nanoparticles; Optimization techniques; Particle size; process optimization; R&D; Research & development; Spectrum analysis; Variables; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 1424-8247; 1424-8247
• DOI: 10.3390/ph16091311

The promising therapeutic implications of nanoparticles have spurred their development for biomedical applications. An eco-friendly methodology synthesizes gold nanoparticles using Cordyceps militaris, an edible mushroom (Cord-Au-NPs), using a quality-by-design approach (central composite design). UV-visible spectroscopy analysis revealed an absorption peak at 540–550 nm, thus confirming the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Cord-Au-NPs have a crystalline structure, as evidenced by the diffraction peaks. The zeta potential value of −19.42 mV signifies the stability of Cord-Au-NPs. XRD study shows gold facets and EDX analysis revealed a strong peak of spherical nanoparticles in the gold region with a mean particle size of 7.18 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.096. The obtained peaks are closely associated with phenolic groups, lipids, and proteins, as examined by FTIR, suggesting that they function as the reducing agent. Cord-Au-NPs exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activity. The method is eco-friendly, nontoxic, less time-consuming, and does not use synthetic materials, leading to higher capabilities in biomedical applications.