Optimizing Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Peppermint OilNanoemulsion Using Response Surface Methodology: An Effective Antimicrobial,Antifungal, and Antioxidant Approach

Introduction: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles in an environmentally sustainable method is becoming more and more crucial for uses in food safety and medicine. In this work, a peppermint essential oil nanoemulsion (PEON) is used to optimize the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) employing response surface methodology (RSM). Methods: PEON was utilized as the reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of AgNPs. Silver nanoparticles were generated under ideal conditions (1 mM AgNO₃, 85.75 minute reaction time, 61.41°C heating temperature, 5.28 mL PEON, and 5.36 mL AgNO₃), and their formation, size, stability, and capping by plant-derived compounds were validated by UV-Vis spectroscopy (λmax = 415 nm), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (mean particle size = 15.73 nm), zeta potential (ζ = +16.7 mV), PDI (0.2031), and FT-IR analysis. Results: The improved process produced a consistent, stable, and uniformly distributed sample of AgNP, which has been produced through the refinement of synthesis. The synthesis of NPs was validated via a UVVis spectrophotometer, indicating the formation of AgNPs at about 415 nm. The PEON-derived AgNPs showed high levels of antioxidant activity (38.99%), antifungal properties, and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (12.3 mm zone of inhibition). Therefore, these AgNPs may potentially have applications in the pharmaceutical or food safety industries. Discussion: An efficient platform for the environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs is provided by PEON, and RSM allows for the optimization of synthesis parameters. The resultant NPs show potential for industrial development because of their relevant physicochemical characteristics and bioactivity. To enable wider functional use, more research should investigate scalability, long-term stability, and expanding applications. Conclusion: Employing PEON, RSM effectively improved the green synthesis of bioactive, stable AgNPs. These results exhibit the potential of an environmentally friendly strategy for upcoming advancements in food safety and pharmaceuticals.