Title:Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis and their Inhibitory Effect on the Pathogenic Fungus Scopulariopsis alboflavescens
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Author(s): Shagufta Fahmid, Rukhsana Jabeen, Saima Maher*, Noureen Khan, Fakhra Batool, Rabail Urooj, Muhammad Imran, Suad Naheed, Saifullah Mehsud, Anar Gojayev, Ajmal Khan*Ahmed Al-Harrasi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta, Pakistan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa,
Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Sultanate of Oman
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa,
Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Sultanate of Oman
Keywords:
Green synthesis, AgNPs, antifungal activity, wood rot, saprobic pathogenic fungus, infra-red spectroscopy.
Abstract:
This work aims to develop an eco-friendly, plant-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles
using Citrullus colocynthis to combat Scopulariopsis alboflavescens. The approach addresses
the need for alternative antifungal treatments and reduces the environmental impact of conventional
methods. It offers a sustainable solution by utilizing the plant’s medicinal properties in
nanotechnology applications.
Methods: Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared by seed, fruit pulp
crude methanolic extract of a medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad exhibited the
potential effect to inhibit the growth of the fungus (Scopulariopsis alboflavescens) isolated from
the Juniper tree from Ziarat, Pakistan. The shape, size, specific surface area, charge, and composition
of the silver nanoparticles were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy,
X-ray diffraction technique, and atomic force microscopy.
Results: UV-visible spectrum of AgNPs displayed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at
(427 nm), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum revealed the possible presence of
polyphenols and alkaloids involved in the synthesis, capping, and stabilizing of AgNPs. Furthermore,
X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed face centered cubic (FCC) shape of AgNPs.
Atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis showed poly dispersion of AgNPs with a size of 28.8
nm. The AgNPs exhibited a significant inhibitory zone of 22.5 mm against Scopulariopsis alboflavescens
as compared to the standard with an inhibition zone of 7.5 mm at 1000 ppm, the biosynthesized
AgNPs might be an effective strategy to control these pathogenic fungi and combat
fungal diseases.
Conclusion: The findings focus on the efficiency of Cc-AgNPs against S. alboflavescens of
plant-pathogenic fungus and support to develop new and more active therapeutic substitutes for
fungus diseases.
