Larvicidal and Antimicrobial Activities of Green-Synthesized Ag Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles have negligible toxicity to humans and play an essential role in controlling the growth of mosquitoes. Due to their efficiency in drug transport and antimicrobial action, as well as other important properties, they are synthesized using different reducing agents. This chapter mainly focuses on highlighting the reducing agents that have been used to prepare silver nanoparticles. In this context, it is worth noting that medicinal plants are a source of many secondary metabolites, which can act as capping and reducing agents in nanoparticle synthesis. The present study deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ethanolic extracts of various traditional medicinal plants (Vitex nigunda, Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, and Ocimum basilicum) and their utility in controlling the proliferation of mosquitoes in the home environment. The synthesis of AgNPs was performed using a method that involves polymers secreted by microbes. This chapter presents an overview of the synthesis of AgNPs employing various reducing agents and discusses their potential as antimicrobial and larvicidal agents.