*3.4. Fungal Genomic DNA Degrading Potential of the ZnNPs*

Incubation of the genomic fungal DNA with NaOH (RA)-derived ZnNPs resulted in fragmentation of the DNA which can be identified as smeared DNA appearance in the 1.5% agarose gel compared to the intact DNA band in the control lane of the three test fungi (Figure 9). After 2 h of incubation with the NaOH (RA) derived ZnNPs (40 µg mL −1 concentration), a slight decrease can be noticed in the genomic DNA of all the test fungi in lanes 4, 5, and 6 (Figure 9). Therefore, the incubation was extended until 24 h to observe any further impact on the genomic DNA of these fungal genera. A clear fragmentation and decrease in the genomic DNA content can be visualized in lanes 7, 8, and 9 as compared to lanes 1, 2, and 3 respectively (Figure 9).

**Figure 9.** Fragmentation and degradation of the fungal genomic DNA on incubation with NaOH (RA)-derived ZnNPs. Lane L = Marker ladder, Lane 1 = gDNA of *Fusarium oxysporum* (*FO*), Lane 2 = gDNA of *Curvularia lunata* (*CL*), Lane 3 = gDNA of *Macrophomina phaseolina* (*MP*), Lane 4 = *FO* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 2 h, Lane 5 = *CL* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 2 h, Lane 6 = *MP* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 2 h, Lane 7 = *FO* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 24 h, Lane 8 = *CL* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 24 h, Lane 9 = *MP* gDNA incubated with ZnNPs for 24 h.
