Chitosan Nanoparticles Fabricated From Aspergillus niger Biomass Enriched With Flavour Fragrance Rich Metabolites; Synthesis, Characterization and A

ABSTRACT

In the present study, multi‐functional chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) with potential anti‐fungal activity fabricated from numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to characteristic flavour and fragrance profiles rich Aspergillus niger biomass. An ionic gelation method was adopted for the synthesis from the biomass. CSNPs evaluated their antifungal, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities against major fungal pathogens. CSNPs showed significantly greater antifungal activity than fungal biomass, with lower MIC and MFC values against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger . They inhibited fungal growth and biomass in a concentration‐dependent manner, with C. albicans being the most susceptible. CSNPs also achieved up to ~85% inhibition of C. albicans biofilms. Antioxidant assays showed > 90% ABTS and > 85% DPPH radical scavenging activity. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions with chitin synthase and Als3 adhesin, supporting disruption of fungal cell wall integrity. These findings highlight fungal‐derived CSNPs as effective, multifunctional, and eco‐friendly antifungal nanomaterials with potential biomedical and agricultural applications.