AMB Volume 42, Issue 2, 2026 Pages 196-210 https://doi.org/10.59393/amb26420204
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Green-Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles against Phytopathogenic Fungi: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Benariba E.B., Bousba R.
Green-synthesized metal nanoparticles (GS-MNPs) offer a sustainable option to replace traditional fungicides, which often lead to crop damage, ecological harm, residue risks to human health, and growing resistance among plant-pathogenic fungi. We carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis to compile and assess in vitro data on GS-MNPs’ antifungal effects against crop-damaging fungi, while examining influences from metal type and test methods. Only nine records fitted the strict inclusion criteria, yielding 43 studies where poisoned food and diffusion assays were used. Overall, the result of the analysis showed positive variable antifungal effect compared to controls across different assays for several GS-MNPs, including silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron (Fe), and composites such as Ag-CuO, Ag-TiO2, and Ag-ZnO. Heterogeneity arose primarily from variations in synthesis protocols, green reducing/capping agents, and tested pathogens, which consequently complicates metal-type rankings when identifying the most effective nanoparticle-green agent complex. In view of this, we recommend standardizing synthesis and antifungal testing protocols and consistently reporting all necessary data to enable future meta-analyses and better understand GS-MNP antifungal activity.
Keywords: antifungal activity, green synthesis, metal nanoparticles, meta-analysis, phytopathogenic fungi, systematic review
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