Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Malva parviflora and their antifungal activity

Abstract

Cheeseweed mallow (<i>Malva parviflora</i> L.) was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were classified by UV-vis Spectroscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The shape and size distribution were visualized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Zeta potential analysis. The chemical composition of <i>M. parviflora</i> leaf extract was identified by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). Finally, in vitro antifungal assay was done to assess the potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and crude leaf extract of <i>M. parviflora</i> for inhibiting the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi. The UV-vis analysis manifests the formation of silver nanoparticles. FTIR analysis established that chemicals of the leaf extract stabilized the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles by binding with the free silver ions. The TEM, FE-SEM and zeta potential analyzer confirmed that the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were mostly spherical with an average diameter of 50.6 nm. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and leaf extract of <i>M. parviflora</i> effectively mitigate the mycelial growth of <i>Helminthosporium rostratum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum</i>, and <i>Alternaria alternata.</i> The maximum reduction in mycelial growth by biosynthesized nanoparticles was observed against <i>H. rostratum</i> (88.6%). Whereas, the leaf extract of <i>M. parviflora</i> was most effective against <i>F. solani</i> (65.3%). Thus, the biosynthesis of nanoparticle assisted by <i>M. parviflora</i> is a feasible and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Further the silver nanoparticles and leaf extract of <i>M. parviflora</i> could be explored for the development of the fungicide.