Combined Experimental Thin Film, DFT-TDDFT Computational Study, structure properties for [FeO+P2O5] bio-nanocomposite by Geotrichum candidum and Environmental application

Geotrichum candidum mycelium free extract were used to fabricate the hybrid bio-nanocomposite [G. candidum/FeO + P2O5](NC) with an average crystallite size ranging from 80 nm to 96 nm. The main goal of this paper is to investigate the structure, simulations, and biological activities of this bio nanocomposite. Various techniques of experimental characterization for the [G. candidum/FeO + P2O5](NC) such as UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX and optical calculations. [G. candidum/FeO + P2O5](NC) was tested as antibacterial agent against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans by well diffusion method. Also, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of NC were measured. Additionally, testing the efficiency of the produced [FeO + P2O5](NC) against polluted water samples with pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and certain heavy metals from Kitchener drainage in Mahalla, Gharbia governorate, Egypt. [G. candidum/FeO + P2O5](NC) hybrid bio-nanocomposite has showed ability to inhibit bacteria by 90.5% compared to amoxicillin as a synthetic antibacterial and reduced the total count with 54.8%, also it was reduced fungi by 99.4% compared to nystatin as a standard antifungal which reduced the total count of fungi with 98%. Furthermore, [G. candidum/FeO + P2O5](NC) had high activity to remove of certain heavy metals nearly to 96.7 % for Pb, 10.7% for Cd, 12.18% for Cr, 5.7 % for Ni, and 23.4% for Zn.(C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.