Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Crataegus monogyna Extract

Current demands in the field of functional textiles include the integration of specific characteristics, such as self-cleaning, antimicrobial efficacy and possible wound healing properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticles represents a promising strategy to address these challenges, combining biocompatibility and ecological safety with effective antimicrobial and antioxidant performance. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized using different ratios of <i>Crataegus monogyna</i> extract: AgNO₃. Physically stable AgNPs with spherical shape, particle main diameters ranging from 61.9 to 85.4 nm and appropriate polydispersity indices were produced. <i>Crataegus monogyna</i> presented high phenolic content (30.58 ± 2.20 mg/g) and strong antioxidant activity (96 ± 1.6 µmol TE/g). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, EDX, and XRD analysis. When applied to cotton and wool textiles, the AgNPs adhered uniformly, caused minimal colour change, and exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains compared to other plant-derived AgNPs, with values between 8 and 13.5 mm. The treated textiles demonstrated strong performance against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> with inhibition zones of 11 ± 0.53 for cotton and 13.5 ± 0.42 for wool. These findings highlight the potential of <i>Crataegus monogyna</i>-based AgNPs as effective and fabric-compatible antimicrobial agents.