Antifungal Activity of Nanobiocomposite Films Based on Silver Nanoparticles Obtained Through Green Synthesis

Curr Microbiol. 2023 Jun 23;80(8):251. doi: 10.1007/s00284-023-03357-2.

Abstract

The high incidence of Candida albicans infections has raised concerns regarding side effects and drug resistance, compounded by a limited number of alternative drugs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have prominent antimicrobial activity, but effective administration remains a challenge. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized via a green chemistry approach, using glucose as a reducing agent, and incorporated into an agar matrix to form a film (AgFilm). The AgNPs and AgFilm were characterized by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopic (AFM). The UV-Vis spectra of the AgNPs and AgFilm showed bands at 415 and 413 nm, respectively. The PXRD and UV-Vis data suggest that the growth of AgNPs was effectively inhibited in the AgFilm. The diameter of AgNPs dispersed in AgFilm was 76 ± 42 nm, and the thickness of the film and 35 ± 3 µm. The antifungal activity of AgFilm was evaluated against 20 strains of C. albicans, demonstrating high antifungal activity with an inhibition zone of 19 ± 2 mm. Therefore, AgFilm could be a promising option for the treatment of superficial C. albicans infections.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Silver / pharmacology
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Silver
  • Plant Extracts
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents