Background: Fungi represent an interesting candidate for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The biosynthesis of silver
nanoparticles (AgNPs) has many industrial and biomedical indications. We aimed in this work to biologically
synthesize silver nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger and to evaluate its effect against the newly identified
Allovahlkampfia spelaea that causes resistant human keratitis.
Material and methods: Aspergillus niger (soil isolate) was treated with silver nitrate to produce silver nanoparticles.
AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The effect of the synthesized nanoparticles against Allovahlkampfia spelaea
growth, encystation, excystation, and toxicity in host cells was evaluated.
Results: AgNPs exhibited significant inhibition of Allovahlkampfia spelaea viability and growth of both trophozoites
and cysts, with a reduction of amoebic cytotoxic activity in host cells.
Conclusion: AgNPs may give a promising future to the treatment of Allovahlkampfia spelaea infections in humans.