Biosynthesis of zinc-based nanoparticles using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis: Effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth indices and soil microbial activity

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, I. R. Iran

2 Department of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, I. R. Iran and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Higher Education Center of Eghlid, Eghlid, I. R. Iran

3 Plant Virology Research Center, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, I. R. Iran

4 Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Higher Education Center of Eghlid, Eghlid, I. R. Iran

Abstract

Biologically synthesized nanoparticles have been considered environmentally friendly agents for improving plant growth in sustainable agriculture. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and maize (Z. mays L.). ZnO NPs were biosynthesized using Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli with ZnSO4, Zn(CH3COO)2, and Zn(NO3)2 as zinc precursors. The morphological properties of the synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized, and their particle sizes ranged from 28 to 600 nm. The results showed that the application of ZnO NPs at 0.1 g L–1, particularly those synthesized using ZnSO4 in the presence of B. subtilis and E. coli, significantly increased the maize seed germination rate. Basal respiration in the treated soils was also significantly enhanced following the application of 0.5 g L–1 ZnSO4 and Zn(NO3)2 in the presence of B. subtilis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays showed that ZnO NPs at 0.625 mg mL–1 exhibited relatively low bactericidal activity against plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Chemically synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against PGPR, whereas ZnO NPs that were biosynthesized with B. subtilis using Zn(NO3)2 showed relatively low inhibitory activity at 1.25 mg mL–1. Owing to the greater biocompatibility of biologically synthesized ZnO NPs compared to chemically synthesized ZnO NPs, these materials may serve as promising zinc fertilizers on zinc-deficient soils at relatively low concentrations.

Graphical Abstract

Biosynthesis of zinc-based nanoparticles using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis: Effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth indices and soil microbial activity

Keywords

References

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Iran Agricultural Research
Volume 45, Issue 2
Issue in Progress
2026
Pages 62-75

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