Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Citrullus Colocynthis and Their Inhibitory Effect on the Pathogenic Fungus Scopulariopsis Alboflavescens,”

Introduction: This work aims to develop an eco-friendly, plant-based synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis to combat Scopulariopsis alboflavescens. The approach addresses the need for alternative antifungal treatments and reduces the environmental impact of conventional methods. It offers a sustainable solution by utilizing the plant’s medicinal properties in nanotechnology applications. Method: Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared by seed, fruit pulp crude methanolic extract of a medicinal plant Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad exhibited the potential effect to inhibit the growth of the fungus (Scopulariopsis alboflavescens) isolated from the Juniper tree from Ziarat, Pakistan. The shape, size, specific surface area, charge, and composition of the silver nanoparticles were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction technique, and atomic force microscopy. Result: UV-visible spectrum of AgNPs displayed the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at (427nm), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrum revealed the possible presence of polyphenols and alkaloids involved in the synthesis, capping, and stabilizing of AgNPs. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed face centered cubic (FCC) shape of AgNPs. Atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis showed poly dispersion of AgNPs with a size of 28.8nm. The AgNPs exhibited a significant inhibitory zone of 22.5 mm against Scopulariopsis alboflavescens as compared to the standard with an inhibition zone of 7.5 mm at 1000 ppm, the biosynthesized AgNPs might be an effective strategy to control these pathogenic fungi and combat fungal diseases. Conclusion: The findings focus on the efficiency of Cc-AgNPs against S. alboflavescens of plant-pathogenic fungus and support to develop new and more active therapeutic substitutes for fungus diseases.