Eco-friendly biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using fungus Schizophyllum commune and their hybrid with chitosan for enhanced UV-A photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

The study introduces a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to the first-time biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Schizophyllum commune (S. commune), a wood-rotting fungus that is well known for its superior lignocellulose biodegradation ability. The unique enzymatic machinery and metabolites produced during the lignocellulose breakdown not only provide a natural reducing and stabilizing environment but also facilitate the controlled synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles without the need for hazardous chemicals, high-energy input, or complex reaction conditions. The biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles were chitosan hybridized (SC@ZnO/Cs) to analyze their photocatalytic activity in degrading the antibiotic tetracycline (TC). Thorough characterization demonstrated the outstanding structural stability, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of the SC@ZnO/Cs nanocomposite, which degraded 95 % TC under UV-A irradiation in 30 min, and thus offered a green route for the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Addition of chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, not only enhanced the stability and reusability of the nanocomposite but also promoted the environmental friendliness. This green strategy not only complies with the tenets of environmental sustainability but also opens doors to the large-scale, economically viable mass production of metal oxide nanoparticles for a broad range of applications in environmental remediation.