Hydrothermal green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract and evaluation of their antifungal activity

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract via a hydrothermal method. The effects of the Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract concentration (PLEC) and the amount of 1 mm AgNO3 solution on the center of the broad emission peak (lambda(max)) and the color of the synthesized AgNP solution were investigated by using response surface methodology. The main reducing and stabilizing compounds of Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract were identified by Fourier transform-infrared and gas chromatography. Spherical AgNPs with an average size of 29 nm were successfully fabricated at the optimal synthesis conditions using 9.8 ml of 1 mm AgNO3 solution and 0.1 ml of 0.62 g/100 ml PLEC. AgNPs were determined to have a index value of 0.413 and a zeta potential of +0.6 mV. The antifungal activity of fabricated AgNPs was tested against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus, and found to posses a significant inhibitory effect against these microorganisms.