Antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles against indoor mould growth

Published Date
15 July 2015, Vol.521:305–314, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.101

Author

Anna Ogar ^a,,

Grzegorz Tylko ^b,

Katarzyna Turnau ^a,c,

aPlant-Microbial Interaction Research Group, Institute of Environmental Science, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

bDepartment of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

cThe Malopolska Center of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

Received 11 November 2014. Revised 5 March 2015. Accepted 10 March 2015. Available online 3 April 2015. Editor: Thomas Kevin V

Highlights

• Growth of common indoor fungi is inhibited in the presence of silver nanoparticles.
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  Silver nanoparticles cause morphological changes in fungi.
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  Fungi reproductive structures are affected by silver nanoparticles.
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  Silver nanoparticles might stimulate growth of fungal species.

Abstract

The presence of moulds in indoor environments causes serious diseases and acute or chronic toxicological syndromes. In order to inhibit or prevent the growth of microorganisms on building materials, the disruption of their vital processes or the reduction of reproduction is required. The development of novel techniques that impair the growth of microorganisms on building materials is usually based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It makes them an alternative to other biocides. AgNPs have proven antibacterial activity and became promising in relation to fungi. The aim of the study was to assess growth and morphology of mycelia of typical indoor fungal species: Penicillium brevicompactum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Chaetomium globosum and Stachybotrys chartarum as well as Mortierella alpina, cultured on agar media. The antifungal activity of AgNPs was also tested in relation to C. globosum and S. chartarum grown on the surface of gypsum drywall. It was found that the presence of AgNPs in concentrations of 30–200 mg/l significantly decreased the growth of fungi. However, in the case of M. alpina, AgNPs stimulated its growth. Moreover, strong changes in moulds morphology and colour were observed after administration of AgNPs. Parameters of conidiophores/sporangiophores varied depending on mould region and changed significantly after treatment with AgNPs. The experiments have shown antifungal properties of AgNPs against common indoor mould species. Their application to building materials could effectively protect indoor environments from mould development. However, consideration must be given to the fact that the growth of some fungal strains might be stimulated by AgNPs.

Keywords

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)

Antifungal activity

Indoor moulds

Gypsum drywalls

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  Corresponding author.
  
  

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