Abstract
Bio-fabrication of metal nanocrystals can be achieved using eco-friendly and cost-effective routes with plants as reducing and capping mediators. A rapid and simple method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the plant Alstonia venenata (R. Br.) (Family: Apocynaceae) was investigated. The mosquito larvicidal potential and the effect of the A. venenata aqueous leaf extract and AgNPs on non-target fish and insects were evaluated. The AgNPs were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, AFM, and XRD analysis. The larvicidal effectiveness on early third instar larvae was higher for the AgNPs than the plant extract; this was observed by testing on Anopheles stephensi (LC50 = 12.28 mu g/mL), Aedes aegypti (LC50 = 13.49 mu g/mL), and Culex quinquefasciatus (LC50 = 14.50 mu g/mL). Furthermore, the plant extract and AgNPs were found to be safe for the environment-friendly Gambusia affinis fish, and Anisops bouvieri and Diplonychus indicus aquatic insects. This study confirmed that A. venenata is a potential bio-resource for the fabrication of nanocrystals as an effective mosquito control tool with negligible harmful on aquatic fish and insects in the environment.