Biodirected Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Honey Solutions and Evaluation of Their Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Candida Spp.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using aqueous honey solutions with a concentration of 2%, 10%, and 20%—AgNPs-H2, AgNPs-H10, and AgNPs-H20. The reaction was conducted at 35 °C and 70 °C. Additionally, nanoparticles obtained with the citrate method (AgNPs-C), while amphotericin B (AmB) and fluconazole were used as controls. The presence and physicochemical properties of AgNPs was affirmed by analyzing the sample with ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The 20% honey solution caused an inhibition of the synthesis of nanoparticles at 35 °C. The antifungal activity of the AgNPs was evaluated using opportunistic human fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The antifungal effect was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion assay. The highest activity in the MIC tests was observed in the AgNPs-H2 variant. AgNPs-H10 and AgNPs-H20 showed no activity or even stimulated fungal growth. The results of the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test for C. parapsilosis strains indicated stronger antifungal activity of AgNPs-H than fluconazole. The study demonstrated that the antifungal activity of AgNPs is closely related to the concentration of honey used for the synthesis thereof.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles as an Effective Antibiofouling Material for Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Ultrafiltration Membrane

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) have been considered a useful way to enhance the hydrophilicity, antibacterial, and antifouling membrane properties [25][26][27]. AgNPs have been shown to be very active antibacterial agents [28] and antifungal agents [29][30][31] because of their high cytotoxic effect against a variety of microorganisms, especially in comparison with other metal nanoparticles [32] and antioxidants [33]. Recently, aqueous honey solutions with concentrations of 2%, 10%, and 20% were used to synthesize AgNPs to study their activity against fungi; the results show the activity of AgNPs against fungal is directly related to the concentration of honey utilized in their synthesis [31].…”

“…AgNPs have been shown to be very active antibacterial agents [28] and antifungal agents [29][30][31] because of their high cytotoxic effect against a variety of microorganisms, especially in comparison with other metal nanoparticles [32] and antioxidants [33]. Recently, aqueous honey solutions with concentrations of 2%, 10%, and 20% were used to synthesize AgNPs to study their activity against fungi; the results show the activity of AgNPs against fungal is directly related to the concentration of honey utilized in their synthesis [31]. Ahsani and coworkers prepared modified PVDF and PVDF/Ag-SiO 2 membranes, where silica nanoparticles were used as a support for AgNPs to insure good separation and homogeneity of the nanocomposite [32].…”

Recent Advances in Honey-Based Nanoparticles for Wound Dressing: A Review

“…Studies of the effect of the honey dosage on the synthesis of NPs have also been performed. Czernel et al [ 53 ] demonstrated Ag-NPs synthesised using aqueous honey solutions at 2%, 10%, and 20% concentrations. The reaction was carried out at 35 °C and 70 °C.…”

Chemical Characterization of Honey and Its Effect (Alone as well as with Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles) on Microbial Pathogens’ and Human Cancer Cell Lines’ Growth

“…Because of their demonstrated capabilities as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents, AgNPs have been used in many biotechnology fields [ 40 , 41 ]. In addition, the concentration of honey employed in manufacturing AgNPs is directly correlated with the AgNPs’ antifungal action [ 42 ]. Silver nitrate is reduced by the use of honey and also acts as a stabilizing mediator for AgNPs created as part of an environmentally friendly process for fabricating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at low temperatures [ 43 ].…”