Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle (Cha-AgNPs) using Chenopodium album extract and evaluation of their antifungal potential against pathogenic fungi

Silver nanoparticles are gaining more attention day by day because of its antimicrobial properties. This study aims at assessing the antifungal properties of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against human and plant pathogenic fungi. The aqueous extract of Chenopodium album leaves were used to prepare silver nanoparticles (Cha-AgNPs) via green chemistry method. The effective synthesis of these nanoparticles was confirmed by using various characterization techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. High-resolution electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the diameter of these nanoparticles was ranging from 5.8 ± 0.28 to 17 ± 0.19 nm. The antifungal activity of green-synthesized nanoparticle was observed at 400 µg/ml against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis and at 800 µg/ml against Fusarium oxysporum. Till date, Chenopodium album has not been explored for these antifungal properties using silver nanoparticles. Hence, the current investigation paves a way for better natural treatment to common human and plant pathogenic fungal diseases.