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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Biogenic silver nanoparticles from wild Iraqi Fomes fomentarius: First report on physicochemical and biological properties

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9598
Submitted
24 May 2025
Published
31-05-2026 — Updated on 10-06-2026
Versions

Abstract

Invasive bacterial and fungal infections with their contributions to the global risk of antibiotic resistance pose an imperative threat to the public health and increase costs in the health sector. This study aimed to develop a sustainable antimicrobial approach by synthesising and characterising biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the fruiting body extracts of Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr.  For sustainable development adopted by the United National members in 2015, nanomedicine is an emerging scientific specialty derived from nanotechnology. In this study, we report for the first time the synthesis of biogenic Ag NPs from the aqueous fruiting body extracts of the F. fomentarius, which is a sexual stage. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) analysis confirmed the formation of AgNPs, showing characteristic absorption peaks at 236, 266 and 384 nm corresponding to Ag+, small silver nanoclusters and metallic Ag⁰ species, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that biomolecules present in F. fomentarius extracts, such as hydroxyl, carbonyl and C–H containing compounds, acted as reducing and capping agents for Ag+ ions, facilitating the formation and stabilisation of AgNPs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that the biosynthesised AgNPs were predominantly spherical with smooth surfaces, forming small clusters, with average diameters ranging from ~14 nm (AFM) to ~27–31 nm (SEM). The AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against bacterial strains. They showed selective anti-candidal activity only against Candida krusei and notable antifungal effects against filamentous fungi including Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Importantly, the synergic influences of AgNPs and antibiotics enhanced bactericidal efficiency to amoxicillin towards Escherichia coli and microbicidal properties of AgNPs for other examined species. Using AgNPs from F. fomentarius is suggested as an alternative strategy, with potential applications in topical antimicrobial formulations, coatings for medical devices and alternative disinfectants.

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