Microalgae biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for application in the control of agricultural pathogens

Abstract

The occurrence of diseases in cultivars has caused significant losses in global food production. The advancement of nanobiotechnology makes it possible to obtain new products to be used in the control of pathogens in cultivars. Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by microalgae and are widely known for their antimicrobial activity. In addition, the biomass produced in microalgal culture for the biosynthesis of the nanoparticles also demonstrates antimicrobial properties, as it can increase the antibacterial and antifungal potential of the silver nanoparticles. In this context, this article addresses the use of microalgae to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles simultaneously with biomass production. In addition, we demonstrate the antimicrobial potential of these nanomaterials, as well as of the microalgal biomass produced in biosynthesis, to use in the control of pathogens in agriculture.

Keywords:

• Agricultural sector
• antimicrobial properties
• microalgal biomass
• nanobiotechnology

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel), MCTIC (Ministry of Science Technology, Innovation and Communications) and Support Program for the Publication of Academic Production/PROPESP/FURG/2018.