Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from the Unexploited Weed Resources

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging branch of nanotechnology. The bioreduction property of three aquatic weed leaves extracts such as Ipomoea aquatica (Convolvulaceae), Enhydra fluctuans (Asteraceae) and Ludwigia adscendens (Onagraceae) in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Among the above three, I. aquatica was found to demonstrate strong potential for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by rapid reduction of silver ions (Ag⁺ to Ag⁰). This study may be used in the development of value-added products from the weed leaves for biomedical and nanotechnology based industries.