Nanotechnology is a fast growing field especially with manufac- turing of new materials at the

nano-level [1]. Metal nanoparticles are of better significance due to their catalytic, optical, electrical
and magnetic properties [2] and are most extensively used for their antibacterial properties [3]. Silver
nanoparticles were proven to be most efficient as they possess good antimicrobial and antioxidant
activities [4–8]. Plant extract was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles because it was
proved to be less toxic and also need less purification as compared to chemical methods [9,10].
Silver in colloidal state has distinctive properties like chemical stability, conductivity and
antibacterial activity [11]. Recently biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles was proficient using
unicellular organisms [12], also by plants extracts like Saururus chinenis [13], Jatropha curcus
[14], Catharanthus roseus [15]. In the present work attempts were made for the green synthesis of
AgNPs using Alternanthera sessilis extract. The phytoconstituents present in the extracts which act
as reducing and capping agent.
A. sessilis Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial herb, bearing short petiole, simple leaves and
white flowers, found throughout India. This herb has been reported to be antioxidant, antimicrobial

∗ Corresponding author.

E-mail address: niraimathi22@gmail.com (K.L. Niraimathi).

and wound healing [16,17]. This herb has been reported to be used as a galactogogue, cholagogue and
febrifuge and in indigestion. The leaves are used in eye diseases, wound, cuts and an antidote to
snake bite and for skin diseases. Various chemical constituents present in the plant are alkaloids,
flavanoids, phenols, fatty acids, beta carotene, sterols, proteins and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid and
proteins present in A. sessilis may act as a reducing agent in the synthesis of AgNPs [18–20].
Metal NP with at least one dimension approximately 1–100 nm have received considerable
attention in both scientific and tech- nological areas due to their unique and unusual physico-
chemical properties with that of bulk materials. Due to the specific size, shape and distribution
nanoparticles are used in the production of novel systems. Literature reveals a promising medical
application of AgNPs synthesized using herbal extracts. Silver nanoparticles synthesized using
herbal extracts have been reported to have good anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant
properties [21,22].