Green nanotechnology is gaining attention in nanoparticle synthesis due to its environmentally friendly approach and the diverse applications of nanotechnologies in fields like drug delivery, sensors, optoelectronics, and magnetic devices. Among nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit unique physicochemical and biological properties, making them potent antimicrobial agents. This study focuses on the green synthesis and characterization of AgNPs using Ipomoea laxiflora leaf extract, a plant belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, traditionally used to treat fever, headaches, and stomach aches.

To synthesize AgNPs, 10 mL of I. laxiflora leaf extract was mixed with 90 mL of 1 mM aqueous silver nitrate solution and heated at 80 °C for three hours, resulting in a color change from yellow to dark brown, indicating nanoparticle formation. The AgNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.

Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. IL-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), with inhibition zones increasing with AgNP concentration (25-100 µL). The antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger), demonstrating dose-dependent inhibition. C. albicans exhibited zones of 12-21 mm, while A. niger zones ranged from 9-20 mm.

This study highlights the sustainable synthesis of AgNPs using I. laxiflora, emphasizing their potential antibacterial and antifungal properties, which could be further explored for therapeutic and industrial applications.