Rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles through economically feasible green chemistry approach is highly
desirable. In this study we have developed a method to synthesize silver nanoparticles by mixing silver
solution with leaf extract of Azadirachta indica without using any surfactant or external energy. In this
method, physiologically stable, bio-compatible Ag nanoparticles were formed. These functionalized AgNPs
could be used for targeted drug delivery with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimal side effects.
Extracellular synthesis of metal nanoparticles using extracts of plants like A. indica (Neem), and Zingiber
officinale (Ginger) has been successfully carried out. In this article AgNPs formation using Azadirachta
indica has been thoroughly discussed. It is well known that on treating the metallic salt solution with some
plant extracts, a rapid reduction occur leading to the formation of highly stable metal nanoparticles. With
this method rapid synthesis of nanoparticles was observed to occur; i.e. reaction time was 1–2 h as compared
to 2–4 days required by microorganisms. These nanoparticles were analyzed by various characterization
techniques to reveal their morphology, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity. TEM
image of these NPs indicated the formation of spherical, non-uniform, poly dispersed nanoparticles. A
detailed study of anti-microbial activity of nanoparticles was carried out.