Cytotoxicity of Palladium Nanoparticles Against Aspergillus Niger

Background: Investigating the bioactivity of nanoscale materials against microorganisms give a comprehensive, proactive understanding of nanomaterial toxicity and explore their potential for applications. Methods: The aim of this study is to assess the changes in the mycelium growth and proteomics for filamentous fungi Aspergillus niger (A. niger) caused by palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). In this study, quantitative analysis of the mycelium growth and protein content of A. niger upon incubation with different concentrations of Pd NPs (0-1350 ng/mL) were reported. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was also used to analyze the changes of the proteins content of A. niger in different medium using two different matrices; α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), and sinapinic acid (SA). We found that Pd NPs decrease the mycelium growth of A. niger. Results: The protein contents are increased at low concentrations of Pd NPs, while it decreases with high concentration. MALDI-MS results show change of the protein contents for A. niger upon incubation with Pd NPs. Mycelia biomass decreases at high concentration of Pd NPs. Conclusion: The biological activity of Pd NPs depends on their concentration and cell culture medium. These new findings may add valuable information about the cytotoxicity of Pd NPs.