Antifungal potential of zinc ion coated copper sulfide nanoforms against Fusarium verticillioides

摘要

The work pertains to the enhanced antifungal activity of Zn~(2+) capped CuS nano forms against Fusarium verticillioides. Zinc ions (in different molar ratios) were used as capping as well as stabilizing agent for sonochemically synthesized copper sulfide nanoforms. The SEM, TEM and UV-Visible spectrometry indicated non-significant difference in morphology, particle size and optical properties of different Zn~(2+)CuS_(I-III). The particle size distribution and zeta potential analysis indicated the proportional relation in hydrodynamic diameter with zeta potential which increased with increase in concentration of Zn~(+2) ion capped on CuS nanoparticles. Comparative in vitro antifungal evaluation studies of naked CuS and Zn~(+2)CuS_(IIII) against F. verticillioides indicated increased efficacy of Zn~(+2)CuS_(III) (with Zn~(+2)CuS in 6:1 molar ratio) nano formulations than non Zn~(+2) coated formulations against the test fungus. Seed priming with the synthesized Zn~(2+) CuS_(III) resulted in improved seed germination and reduced seed rot and seedling mortality at a lower concentration than non zinc ion coated copper sulfide nano-aqua-formulations.