GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM Chrysanthemum morifolium EXTRACT: EFFECTS OF pH, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of pH on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Chrysanthemum morifolium extract (CFE) as a reducing agent, and evaluates their antibacterial and antifungal activities at the optimal pH condition. The UV-Vis spectra displayed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 405–411 nm, with the most intense absorption occurring at pH 11. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed that nanoparticles synthesized at pH 10–11 exhibited the most minor hydrodynamic diameter (10.156–10.666 nm) and a polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.3, ensuring high stability and uniformity. TEM and XRD analyses revealed that the AgNPs exhibited a uniform spherical morphology and a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure, with an average crystallite size of 10.021 nm. AgNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, which are two common pathogens associated with skin and mucosal infections. These results highlight the potential of AgNPs for applications in medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.