Experimental and In Silico interaction studies of Alpha Amylase-Silver nanoparticle: a nano-bio-conjugate

Abstract

In the current work, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs) and interaction study between alpha amylase and Ag NPs/nanocluster has been performed via wet-lab as well as in silico approach. We have synthesized Ag NPs using alpha amylase enzyme which reduces the silver nitrate precursor forming the stable Ag NPs. UV-Visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopies were performed for optical characterization of Ag NPs. UV-Vis spectra showed the wide absorption band centered around 475 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. We have also observed gradual decrease in fluorescence intensity with the increase in incubation time. Also, shift in {lambda}max of the emission spectra was recorded which clearly suggested the formation of nano-bio-conjugate. Circular dichroism spectra show the initial decrease in the ellipticity, when we added the silver nitrate, but after incubating for different time, there are no major changes in secondary structure of protein. In computational study we have modelled ground state configuration of (Ag)24 nanocluster using in silico approach. Further docking of the modelled optimized nanocluster with alpha amylase was performed and found that Ag-nanocluster showing non-covalent interaction with alpha amylase and forming stable docking complex.