Hydrothermal green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using <i>Pelargonium/Geranium</i> leaf extract and evaluation of their antifungal activity

Abstract

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract via a hydrothermal method. The effects of the Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract concentration (PLEC) and the amount of 1 m m AgNO 3 solution on the center of the broad emission peak (λ max ) and the color of the synthesized AgNP solution were investigated by using response surface methodology. The main reducing and stabilizing compounds of Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract were identified by Fourier transform-infrared and gas chromatography. Spherical AgNPs with an average size of 29 nm were successfully fabricated at the optimal synthesis conditions using 9.8 ml of 1 m m AgNO 3 solution and 0.1 ml of 0.62 g/100 ml PLEC. AgNPs were determined to have a polydispersity index value of 0.413 and a ζ potential of +0.6 mV. The antifungal activity of fabricated AgNPs was tested against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus , and found to posses a significant inhibitory effect against these microorganisms.