Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are valuable for developing antimicrobial agents due to their stability, conductivity, and antimicrobial properties. In addition to healthcare, they play crucial roles in electronics, catalysis, and environmental applications. Fungi are particularly effective at synthesizing AgNPs, using extracellular bioactive compounds to produce high yields of controlled-size particles, while serving as eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agents. This study optimized the synthesis of AgNPs using Cladosporium sp. OP242915, applying both One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) and Taguchi methods. Key factors, including silver nitrate concentration, pH, temperature, and incubation time, were assessed. The Taguchi method allowed for evaluating both individual and interactive effects, identifying the optimal conditions: 4 mM silver nitrate, pH 6, 35 °C, and 72 h of incubation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed that the AgNPs were primarily spherical, with sizes ranging from 27.6 to 31.6 nm. A zeta potential of -41.4 mV indicated strong physical stability, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified their crystalline structure. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified acetic acid and dimethylamine in the fungal extract as effective reducing and stabilizing agents. The study demonstrated that Cladosporium sp. OP242915 can produce AgNPs with desirable properties. Taguchi optimization further enhanced the synthesis, resulting in high-quality nanoparticles with controlled size and morphology, offering strong potential for scalable production.
