Influence of silver nanoparticles on metabolism and toxicity of moulds.

The unique antimicrobial features of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly applied in innumerable products. The lack of published studies on the mechanisms of AgNPs action on fungi resulted in identification of the aim of this study, which was: the determination of the influence of AgNPs on the mould cytotoxicity for swine kidney cells (MTT test) and the production of selected mycotoxins, organic acids, extracellular enzymes by moulds. The conducted study had shown that silver nanoparticles can change the metabolism and toxicity of moulds. AgNPs decrease the mycotoxin production of Aspergillus sp. (81-96%) and reduce mould cytotoxicity (50-75%). AgNPs influence the organic acid production of A. niger and P. chrysogenum by decreasing their concentration (especially of the oxalic and citric acid). Also, a change in the extracellular enzyme profile of A. niger and P. chrysogenum was observed, however, the total enzymatic activity was increased.