Exploration of the Antifungal Activity of Zn_0.2Fe_2.8O₄/ Ag Ferrofluids with Double Surfactants and Sunflower Seed Oil as Dispersion Medium

Abstract

Candidiasis is an infection caused by the fungus C. albicans. Ferrofluid Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag is the best candidate to overcome the problem of infection caused by this fungus. In addition to the safe ingredients used, its ability to create ROS and maintain stability has the potential to be an excellent antifungal agent. The purpose of this study was to create a new ferrofluid with double surfactants for the antifungal C. albicans. 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 C. albicans. The results of the characterization analysis showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag nanoparticles had good crystallinity, with a crystallite size of Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag of 11.32 nm and an Ag crystallite size of 7.00 nm. SEM characterization showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag nanoparticles had agglomeration with the average particle size distribution of 443 nm. The functional groups detected by FTIR confirmed the success of the ferrofluid synthesis Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag where spinel functional groups, olefin groups, and functional groups S=O were formed. The results of the antifungal activity test showed that Zn0.2Fe2.8O4/Ag ferrofluids were relatively active as an antifungal agent, with a diameter of the C. albicans growth inhibition zone of 9.63 mm.