Corylus avellana leaf extract-mediated green synthesis of antifungal silver nanoparticles using microwave irradiation and assessment of their properties

Due to high antimicrobial activity against numerous microorganisms, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being utilized in various areas. Microwave-accelerated AgNPs synthesis using Corylus avellana leaf extract was evaluated. Based on randomly central composite design, 13 mixture solutions containing different amounts of the prepared extract (0.10–0.90 mL) and 1 mM silver nitrate solution (15–25 mL) were prepared and exposed to microwave irradiation for 180 s. Response surface methodology was utilized to evaluate the effects of the two independent variables on particle size and concentration of the synthesized AgNPs, as manifested in the place of broad emission peak (λ max) and its absorbance unit, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the two hydroxyl and carboxylic acid functional groups with reducing activity existed in the prepared extract. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the formed spherical AgNPs using optimum amounts of C. avellana leaf extract (0.9 mL) and 1 mM silver nitrate solution (25 mL) had minimum particle size (103.5 nm) and polydispersity index (PDI) (0.209), and maximum concentration (140 ppm) and zeta potential (−21.8 mV). Results indicated that the formed AgNPs had high fungicidal effects against the spoiled fungi of Colletotrichum coccodes and Penicillium digitatum.