Sayyidati Zuhroh, Ahmad Taufiq, Arif Hidayat, Nasikhudin
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs worldwide and can affect all ages. This infection is caused by Candida sp. fungal species, such as Candida albicans. The prevalence of fungal infections has increased since 1980 in various patient groups. The increase was due to the limited antifungal agents, the low quality of the available antifungals, and the toxicity of the carrier compounds. Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids are the best candidates to overcome the problem of infection caused by these fungi. In addition to the safe ingredients used, its ability to create ROS and maintain its stability has the potential to be a good antifungal agent. Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids were synthesized using a bottom-up method starting from the synthesis of Zn0.2Fe2.8O4 nanoparticles, Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag nanocomposites, to the synthesis of Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids. Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag powder was characterized using XRD and SEM to determine the particle structure and morphology. Meanwhile, Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids were characterized using FTIR and antifungal activity tests to determine the functional group and zone of inhibition against the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. The results of the characterization analysis showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag nanoparticles had good crystallinity, with a crystal size of Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag of (11.3 ± 0.7) nm and an Ag crystal size of (7.00 ± 0.00) nm. SEM characterization showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag nanoparticles had agglomeration. The average particle size distribution was obtained at (443 ± 8) nm. Functional groups detected using FTIR confirmed the success of ferrofluid synthesis Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag where spinel functional groups, olefin groups, and S = O functional groups were formed. The antifungal activity test results showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids were relatively active as an antifungal agent, with a diameter of the Candida albicans growth inhibition zone of (9.63 ± 0.18) mm. © 2023 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.
Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
