Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Bacillus tequilensis and its impact on tomato plant
Authors/Creators
- 1. Department of Life Sciences, Abasyn University, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan.
- 2. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- 3. National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology, NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Description
Introduction: The field of nanotechnology is among the most common areas of modern material science. Recent advancements in nanotechnology and nanoscience have changed the methods of prevention, treatment and diagnosis of different diseases. Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is an essential part of the Pakistani cuisine, and it has a demand all year round. The tomato crop grown by the orthodox agricultural methods cannot be grown all the year and has a very low yield.
Objectives: In this study, bacterial strain Bacillus tequelensis (NMCC34) was utilized to evaluate its potential to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their effect on growth of tomato plant.
Methodology: The bacterial strain NMCC34 was refreshed and further identified through different morphological, molecular and biochemical testing. For the biosynthesis of AgNPs, the bacterial culture was mixed with 100 ml AgNO3 solution at 1 mM aqueous solution. Tomato seeds were exposed to AgNPs solution in a single concentration of 50 ppm (1 ml). Data was recorded at different day’s interval (Day 1, 2, 3, 6, 17 and 18).
Results: The plants in treated group (50 ppm AgNPs) have shown improvement in number of leaves, length, seed germination and leaves sizes as compared with control plants (untreated).
Conclusion: The current study revealed potential of silver nanoparticles to promote growth activity of tomato plant which can be exploited commercially for the economic benefit of mankind.