PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AGAINST CANDIDA SPECIES

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and assess their antifungal efficacy against Candida species. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized using a co-precipitation method with silver nitrate and trisodium citrate and characterized via ultraviolet (UV)-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Antifungal activity was determined using the broth microdilution method in 96-well plates. Cytoplasmic leakage assays and FE-SEM imaging were performed to understand the nanoparticles’ mechanism of action. Results: The UV-Vis spectrum showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 410 nm, indicating nanoparticle formation with a band gap of ~3.03 eV. XRD confirmed a face-centered cubic crystalline structure, and FE-SEM revealed roughly spherical AgNPs (14.69–47.82 nm). The minimum inhibitory concentration was 15 μg/mL, whereas minimum fungicidal concentrations ranged from 125 to 500 μg/mL. Two-way analysis of variance (p<0.001) showed significant antifungal activity, with C. albicans being the most susceptible. Paired t-tests (p<0.001) confirmed significant cytoplasmic leakage in all species following AgNP exposure. Conclusion: AgNPs demonstrated potent antifungal effects against Candida spp. by disrupting cell membranes. These findings support AgNPs as a promising alternative for managing VVC.