Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Larvicidal Property Against Malaria, Filariasis, and Dengue...

The increasing resistance of mosquitoes to synthetic pesticides necessitates eco-friendly alternatives for vector control. This study presents the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using Aerva lanata flower extract and evaluates their larvicidal efficacy against Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. stephensi, and Ae. aegypti. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs, characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, Zeta potential, and DLS analyses, exhibited potent larvicidal and pupicidal activities, with LC₅₀ values of 6.501, 20.875, and 22.649 ppm, respectively. The morphological and histopathological alterations in treated larvae, alongside significant modulation of antioxidant (SOD, GPx) and detoxification (GST, AChE) enzymes, indicate oxidative stress as a key mode of action. Importantly, biosafety tests revealed minimal toxicity to Artemia salina, highlighting the eco-compatibility of these Ag-NPs. This study demonstrates an innovative, plant-based nanobiopesticide with strong potential for sustainable mosquito control, addressing the challenges of insecticide resistance and environmental toxicity.