Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles by Trichoderma sp. WL-Go for azo dyes decolorization

Developing an eco-friendly approach for metallic nanoparticles synthesis is important in current nanotechnology research. In this study, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was carried out by a newly isolated strain Trichoderma sp. WL-Go. UV–vis spectra of AuNPs showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 550 nm, and transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the AuNPs were of varied shape with well dispersibility. The optimal conditions for AuNPs synthesis were HAuCl₄ 1.0 mmol/L, biomass 0.5 g and pH 7–11. Moreover, the bio-AuNPs could efficiently catalyze the decolorization of various azo dyes. This research provided a new microbial resource candidate for green synthesis of AuNPs and demonstrated the potential application of bio-AuNPs for azo dye decolorization.