Antifungal Activity against Human and Plant Mycopathogens, and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Exhibiting Such Activity
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript provides an overview of the recent literature on silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their applications, with a focus on green synthesis and microfungal activity. While the review covers several key aspects, there is a need for substantial revisions to enhance clarity, depth, and inclusiveness.The review should elaborate on various synthesis techniques for Ag NPs, including light irradiation and templated synthesis. Details on gel-based, solution-based, and film-based methods, especially those applicable in medical contexts, should be explored.
1. Provide a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis methods used specifically for biomedical purposes and delve into their effectiveness in catalysis, optics, textiles, electronics, and medicine.
2. Incorporate a simple scheme illustrating the mode of action of Ag NPs in microbial activity. A clear representation of how Ag NPs interact with microorganisms would significantly enhance the manuscript's clarity.
3. Systematically include figures from various cited literature to visually represent key findings and enhance the comprehensibility of the review. Ensure proper attribution and citation for each figure.
4. Highlight and discuss examples of topical gel-based Ag NPs, considering both pure organic and metallogel formulations. Emphasize their significance in diverse applications with recent works.
5. Provide more information on how Ag NPs effectively attach to bacterial cell surfaces and induce damage. Elaborate on the creation of holes in bacterial cells and the subsequent destruction, providing a more in-depth understanding of the antimicrobial mechanisms.
The manuscript shows promise but requires a major revision to address the above-mentioned points. Strengthening the discussion on synthesis techniques, expanding the coverage of relevant NP systems, incorporating visual representations, and providing a more detailed overview of Ag NP applications in microfungal activity will significantly enhance the quality and impact of the review.
Author Response
Answers to the Reviewer`s 1 comments
Dear Reviewer 1,
Thank you for the valuable comments. Please see below our responses.
R#1: “...The review should elaborate on various synthesis techniques for Ag NPs, including light irradiation and templated synthesis. Details on gel-based, solution-based, and film-based methods, especially those applicable in medical contexts, should be explored”.
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: Although the manuscript is devoted to green synthesis of antifungal silver nanoparticles with the use of plants and microorganisms, we have added the issues you suggested.
R#1: “Provide a comprehensive discussion on the synthesis methods used specifically for biomedical purposes and delve into their effectiveness in catalysis, optics, textiles, electronics, and medicine”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: See above.
R#1: “Incorporate a simple scheme illustrating the mode of action of Ag NPs in microbial activity. A clear representation of how Ag NPs interact with microorganisms would significantly enhance the manuscript's clarity.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The scheme has been added.
R#1: “Systematically include figures from various cited literature to visually represent key findings and enhance the comprehensibility of the review. Ensure proper attribution and citation for each figure.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: New figures has been added.
R#1: “Highlight and discuss examples of topical gel-based Ag NPs, considering both pure organic and metallogel formulations. Emphasize their significance in diverse applications with recent works.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: Since the manuscript is devoted to green synthesis of antifungal silver nanoparticles with the use of plants and microorganisms, we did not want to excessively expand the content.
R#1: “Provide more information on how Ag NPs effectively attach to bacterial cell surfaces and induce damage. Elaborate on the creation of holes in bacterial cells and the subsequent destruction, providing a more in-depth understanding of the antimicrobial mechanisms.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The new section on the mechanism of AgNPs action in fungal cells has been included.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript is well written, the level of use and knowledge of nanoparticles is well presented, the manuscript is illustrated, and there are tables. I would recommend adding a few sentences to the conclusion about the further prospects of introducing silver nanoparticles into pharmaceutical and medical practice and their benefits and advantages.
- The authors presented a review article on the use of silver nanoparticles as antifungal agents. The manuscript contains the latest data on green synthesis and mechanisms of action. The manuscript is divided into subsections, which are supplemented with tables and figures. This makes reading the material consistent and understandable. In addition, the writing language is very clear and precise.
- The PubMed database lists only 5 articles on the topic "Silver nanoparticles" about antifungal activity. Yes, I think the topic is relevant, modern and timely.
- Previous works have not described green synthesis, nor is there information about the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles against various pathogens, as presented by the authors.
- Control methods are not needed in this case. This is a review. You can add a comparison with literature data, but the authors also provide this. On the one hand, you can expand the text of the manuscript, add tables and figures, text from other authors, but this will not change the essence of the manuscript. In my opinion, the authors structured it well. You can also add an approach to the analysis of information collection to the methodology; this can be done with text or a diagram.
- I wrote about the conclusions in the first review. The benefits of silver nanoparticles with antifungal properties for use in pharmacy and medicine should be described in more detail.
- Yes
- see above.
Author Response
Answers to the Reviewer`s 2 comments
Dear Reviewer 2,
Thank you for the valuable comments. Please see below our response.
R#2: “… I would recommend adding a few sentences to the conclusion about the further prospects of introducing silver nanoparticles into pharmaceutical and medical practice and their benefits and advantages.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The content you suggested has been added.
R#2: “You can also add an approach to the analysis of information collection to the methodology; this can be done with text or a diagram.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The scheme showing such approach has been added.
R#2: “I wrote about the conclusions in the first review. The benefits of silver nanoparticles with antifungal properties for use in pharmacy and medicine should be described in more detail.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: See above.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsRevisions for article : Antifungal activity and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles
Estimated authors:
I have had the opportunity to review your article titled "Antifungal activity and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles" with great interest. While the topic is intriguing, I would like to offer some suggestions to enhance the specificity and depth of the article.
Firstly, the current title appears quite broad and generalized. To maximize the impact of your research, consider emphasizing specific aspects covered in your review. This would help readers better understand the unique contributions of your work.
Additionally, I recommend the inclusion of more illustrative figures to enhance the visual representation of your findings, providing readers with a clearer and more engaging overview of your research.
Moreover, to enrich the content, I suggest incorporating the following elements into your article:
1. Include a section on the potential mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles against fungal pathogens, as this would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their antifungal properties.
2. Provide more information on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles, as this is an important consideration for their potential use in antifungal treatments.
3. Include a discussion on the challenges and limitations associated with the use of silver nanoparticles as antifungal agents, such as issues related to stability, efficacy, and regulatory approval.
4. Provide more detailed information on the green synthesis methods used to produce silver nanoparticles, including the specific plant extracts and microorganisms used, as well as the optimization of synthesis conditions.
5. Include a section on the potential applications of silver nanoparticles in other fields, such as food preservation and water treatment, as this would broaden the scope of the article and highlight the versatility of silver nanoparticles as a nanomaterial.
Finally I suggest that to elevate the impact of your work, you integrate the most recent and relevant data, ensuring that your research remains at the forefront of the field. Furthermore, a deeper exploration of the central topic and a comparative analysis with existing literature would contribute to a richer understanding of the topic, differentiating its research and reinforcing its importance. His dedication to advancing knowledge in this area is commendable, and I eagerly anticipate the greater depth and differentiation these additions could bring to his article.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageI have no comments regarding the quality of the English used in writing the article.
Author Response
Answers to the Reviewer`s 3 comments
Dear Reviewer 3,
Thank you for the valuable comments. Please see below our responses.
R#3: “Firstly, the current title appears quite broad and generalized. To maximize the impact of your research, consider emphasizing specific aspects covered in your review. This would help readers better understand the unique contributions of your work.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The title has been changed.
R#3: “Additionally, I recommend the inclusion of more illustrative figures to enhance the visual representation of your findings, providing readers with a clearer and more engaging overview of your research.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: New figures have been added.
R#3: “Include a section on the potential mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles against fungal pathogens, as this would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their antifungal properties”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The new section on the mechanism of AgNPs action in fungal cells has been included.
R#3: “Provide more information on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles, as this is an important consideration for their potential use in antifungal treatments.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The new section on the toxicity of AgNPs has been included.
R#3: “Include a discussion on the challenges and limitations associated with the use of silver nanoparticles as antifungal agents, such as issues related to stability, efficacy, and regulatory approval.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The discussion you suggested has been included.
R#3: “Provide more detailed information on the green synthesis methods used to produce silver nanoparticles, including the specific plant extracts and microorganisms used, as well as the optimization of synthesis conditions.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The data you mentioned is described in the appropriate section and table.
R#3: “Include a section on the potential applications of silver nanoparticles in other fields, such as food preservation and water treatment, as this would broaden the scope of the article and highlight the versatility of silver nanoparticles as a nanomaterial.”
AUTHORS` RESPONSE: The content has been added.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have impoved the manuscript signiciantly. Now it can be accepted in its current revised form.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe corrections were all addressed in a general way, and I consider that the article could be published in this form
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageMinor language revisions may be considered during the article editing process.
