Silver Nanoparticles for Antifungal Applications

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as potent antifungal agents owing to their high surface‐to‐volume ratio, tunable physicochemical properties and multifaceted modes of action. Synthesised by chemical, physical or biological (‘green’) routes, AgNPs range in size from 1 nm to 100 nm and can be stabilised with a variety of capping agents or biomolecules. These features enable AgNPs to interact intimately with fungal cells, disrupting cell walls and membranes, generating reactive oxygen species and interfering with essential enzymatic pathways. Laboratory studies have demonstrated broad‐spectrum efficacy against yeasts (for example Candida spp.) and filamentous fungi (including dermatophytes), inhibiting planktonic growth, biofilm formation and spore germination. Topical and surface‐coating applications have shown promise for treating skin mycoses and preventing device‐associated infections. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges remain in optimising dose, minimising cytotoxicity to mammalian cells and understanding long‐term environmental impacts. Ongoing efforts focus on green synthesis, targeted delivery systems and combination therapies to enhance efficacy while safeguarding safety and sustainability.

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Silver Nanoparticles for Antifungal Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in silver nanoparticles for antifungal applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs): Metallic particles of silver with dimensions between 1 nm and 100 nm, exhibiting unique surface reactivity.
Green synthesis: Eco‐friendly production of nanoparticles using biological extracts or organisms as reducing and stabilising agents.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules (for example superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) that damage cellular components.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent required to inhibit visible growth of a microorganism.
Biofilm: Structured community of microbial cells enclosed in a self‐produced extracellular matrix, adherent to surfaces.

References

1. Potential Treatment of Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum in Rat Model Using Topical Green Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Achillea santolina Extract. Molecules (2023).
2. Mechanisms of Antifungal Properties of Metal Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials (2022).
3. Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles in combination with ketoconazole against Malassezia furfur. AMB Express (2019).