Trianthema portulacastrum leaf extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and elucidation of their larvicidal and antibacterial activities

Abstract

The current study aims to evaluate the larvicidal and antibacterial capabilities of silver nanoparticles generated utilizing the aqueous leaf extract of Trianthema portulacastrum (TP-AgNPs). The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (TP-AgNPs) via Trianthema portulacastrum extract synthesis was validated using UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques. In particular, Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector mosquito, and Culex quinquefasciatus, the malaria vector mosquito, were subjected to larvicidal bioassays in various doses of TP-AgNPs and T. portulacastrum crude aqueous leaf extract in third instar larvae. Using TP-AgNPs, a significant larvicidal impact was observed in Cx. quinquefasciatus at 24 and 48 h (LC50 of 6.49 and 4.50 ppm, respectively). TP-AgNPs was proven to be an effective larvicide for the control of malaria and dengue vectors. Additionally, Klebsiella pneumoniae growth was significantly suppressed by TP-AgNPs. The antibacterial results show that all bacterial pathogens tested were effectively inhibited. TP-AgNPs exhibit excellent larvicidal and antibacterial properties, making them a promising and environmentally friendly biocontrol tool against dengue and malarial vectors.