Biocrystallization of silver and gold ions by inactive cell filtrate of Rhizopus stolonifer.

Microbes and their cell filtrates are known to synthesize metal nanoparticles. But maintenance of aseptic conditions and irregularly shaped and sized nanoparticles are major drawbacks of the system. In this study cell filtrate from inactive biomass of Rhizopus stolonifer was used for the first time to produce near uniformly sized and shaped Ag and Au nanoparticles at room temperature. The size of Ag and Au nanoparticles were found in the range of 25-30 nm and 1-5 nm, respectively. UV-vis spectrum, TEM and XRD measurements confirmed the formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles.