Optimization studies on biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles using Rhizopus stolonifer

Isolates from pure culture of Rhizopus stolonifer were aseptically grown in potato dextrose broth to early exponential phase and centrifuged. The biological synthesis of Iron nanoparticles from the fungus was carried out using simple techniques. Filtrates obtained by simple methods were reacted with 1 M Ferric chloride solution. Characterization of the synthesized iron nanoparticles was monitored using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An increase in synthesis of the iron nanoparticles by over 200% occurred when culture of selected isolate was agitated. At 325 nm, peaks of absorbance (3.5) were read at pH 4.5 and 6, while maximum production of the iron nanoparticles was reached at 35 degrees C. Peaks of transmittance of biosynthesized iron nanoparticles from selected isolate as shown by the FTIR spectrum were located at 750, 1100, 1700, 2500 and 3750 cm(-1), representing the CH, C-O, C=O, SH and OH groups respectively. The varying degree of transmittance and pH reported presents the selected R. stolonifer isolate as a biological entity for the synthesis of stable iron nanoparticles.