Understanding the Biosynthesis and Catalytic Activity of Pd, Pt, and Ag Nanoparticles in Hydrogenation and Suzuki Coupling Reactions at the Nano-Bio Interface

Increasing demand of noble-metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in catalysis research urges the development of a nontoxic, clean, and environmentally friendly methodology for the production of MNPs on solid surface. Herein we have developed a facile approach for biosynthesis of MNPs (Pd, Pt, and Ag) on the surface of Rhizopous oryzae mycelia through in situ reduction process without using any toxic chemicals. The size and shape of the biosynthesized MNPs varied among the MNPs, and flower-like branched nanoparticles were obtained in case of Pd and Pt, while Ag produced spheroidal nanoparticles. The cell-surface proteins of the mycelia acted as protecting, reducing, and shape-directing agent to control the size and shape of the synthesized MNPs. Proteins of 78, 62, and 55 kDa were bound on the MNPs surfaces and played a significant role in determining the morphology of the MNPs. The catalytic efficiency varied among the MNPs, and Pd nanoflower exhibited superior catalytic activities in both hydrogenation and Suzuki coupling reactions. Surface composition, concentration, and intracellular localization of MNPs determine the catalytic activity of the biosynthesized MNPs. The nanocatalyst could be easily separated and reused multiple times without significant loss in activity (95% average conversion). Overall, the understanding of this complex biomineralization mechanism and catalytic behavior at the nanobio interface has provided an alternative for the synthesis of supported metal nanocatalyst to improve the environmental sustainability.