Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Conyza canadensis and Their Antifungal Activity against Bipolaris maydis

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized from Conyzacanadensis leaf extract with the help of a microwave oven. The UV-vis spectrum showed the maximum absorption at 441 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope images showed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical or near-spherical with an average diameter of 43.9 nm. X-ray diffraction demonstrated nanoparticles with a single-phase cubic structure. As-synthesized silver nanoparticles displayed prominent antifungal activity against Bipolaris maydis. The colony inhibition rate reached 88.6% when the concentration of nanosilver colloid was 100 μL·mL−1 (v/v). At such a concentration, no colony formation was observed on the solid plate. The diameter of the inhibition zone was 13.20 ± 1.12 mm. These results lay the foundation for the comprehensive control of plant pathogens using an environmentally friendly approach.

Inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum by AgNPs biosynthesised using Cinnamomum camphora fruit extract

Cinnamomum camphora fruit extract was used to biosynthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and the optimised synthesis system was ascertained through solution colour change and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra. It contained 20 ml of fruit extract, 4 mM Ag nitrate, and pH 7. AgNPs obtained based on such conditions were spherical and finely dispersed, with an average size of 20.3 nm. As-synthesised AgNPs exhibited excellent antifungal effect against Fusarium oxysporum. At a dose of 400 μg/ml of AgNPs, the inhibition rate of colony growth reached 61.00% and an IC₅₀ value of 154.39 μg/ml. In addition, the conidia germination was totally inhibited at 100 μg/ml of AgNPs. Results of this study provide a new approach for biological control of plant pathogenic fungi, and it makes that possible for developing a brand new fungistat.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zingiber officinale and Thymus vulgaris extracts: characterisation, cell cytotoxicity, and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans in comparison to fluconazole

Fluconazole (FLZ) application as a highly successful commercial antifungal azole agent to treat the fungal infections is limited due to emergence of FLZ-resistant candida. In this study, the potential of green synthesised silver nanoparticles (NPs) as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans fungal pathogen is investigated. The extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) plays as reducing agent, capping agent and antifungal agent. The UV-visible spectroscopy shows the peak of surface plasmon resonance of synthesised Ag NPs after a period of time. The synthesised Ag NPs are spherical, with average sizes of 12 and 18 nm based on ginger and thyme extract, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the adsorption of the plant extract on the surface of the as-prepared Ag NPs. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method against Candida albicans, the antifungal activity of as-prepared green synthesised Ag NPs shows higher inhibitory in comparison to FLZ. Finally, the Ag NPs synthesised via thyme extract shows no cytotoxicity with concentration below 3.5 ppm, which can be considered as an appropriate candidate instead of FLZ to treat the superficial fungal infections.

Biosynthesis of AgNPs by B. maydis and its antifungal effect against Exserohilum turcicum

In the present study, Bipolaris maydis was used to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Several parameters that influence the synthesis of AgNPs such as fungus age, the concentration of Ag nitrate (AgNO₃), and incubation time were explored to find the optimum synthesis condition. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of AgNPs against Exserohilum turcicum was determined by measuring inhibition zone diameter, colony formation, and conidia germination. The optimal biosynthesis system included fungus age of 7 days, 8 mM AgNO₃, and an incubation time of 120 h. Under these conditions, synthesised NPs were near round, and the average particle size was about 21 nm. At the experiment, the diameter of the inhibition zone reached a maximum of 8 mM AgNO₃ and 72 h. In addition, the inhibition rate of colony and conidia reached 83.39 and 100%, respectively, with 200 μg/ml AgNPs. The results offer a novel pathway for phytopathogen control and make it likely to develop new eco-friendly antimicrobial.