Study the Antifungal Effects of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on the <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Microsporum canis</i>, and <i>Candida albicans</i>

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens and the limitations of current antifungal therapies underscore the need for novel alternative treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on three clinically significant fungi: Aspergillus niger, Microsporum canis, and Candida albicans. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using plant-based extracts to ensure eco-friendly production methods. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization assays revealed spherical particles with colloidal stability, an average size of approximately 80 nm, a Polydispersity Index of 0.4, and a surface charge of 62.3 mV. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values demonstrated effective suppression of fungal growth at low nanoparticle concentrations. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of green-synthesized Ag NPs as a promising alternative to conventional antifungal agents, emphasizing their significant advantages in biocompatibility and eco-friendliness. These findings could pave the way for a new era in treating fungal infections, particularly those caused by drug-resistant strains.