Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Argemone mexicana for Dengue Vector Control and Antimicrobial Activity

This study investigates the larvicidal and antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the plant Argemone mexicana L. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, confirming their spherical shape and size ranging from 3 to 24 nm. Laboratory evaluations demonstrated the efficacy of these AgNPs against various larval instars (L1 to L4) of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti, with LC50 values of 5.24, 5.56, 6.20, and 7.04 ppm, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between AgNP concentration and mortality rates, with significant differences (P<0.05) recorded across exposure periods. The study also assessed the antimicrobial potential of the synthesized AgNPs, noting significant toxicity against gram-positive microbes and mild toxicity towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings suggest that plant-synthesized AgNPs offer a rapid, eco-friendly, and effective approach for mosquito larvicide and antimicrobial applications.