Glycolic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles against Candida biofilms

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are bioinorganic platforms with relevance for antimicrobial materials, particularly against Candida biofilms, whose matrix restricts drug penetration and supports persistence. Functionalization with low-molecular-weight organic acids may tune nucleation, surface chemistry, colloidal stability, and biological activity; glycolic acid (GA) is attractive due to dermatological use and its role in AgNP synthesis/stabilization. This study synthesized GA-functionalized AgNPs via alcoholic Ag+ reduction using polyvinylpyrrolidone and GA at AgNP–GA ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10. UV-Vis, FTIR-ATR, DLS, zeta potential, TEM/SAED, and AAS were used to characterize the systems. Plasmon bands at 414–457 nm confirmed AgNP formation, while FTIR supported the involvement of GA/PVP in reduction and capping. Near-neutral zeta potentials, no sedimentation, and DLS/TEM indicated steric stabilization; SAED confirmed crystalline face-centered cubic silver. All samples inhibited Candida spp. (8–13 mm), and AgNP–GA 1:10 reduced biofilms by >2.5 log.