Ecofriendly synthesis of a hybrid hydrogel incorporating silver nanoparticles: Biological and photocatalytic activities.

We present the synthesis and characterization of a hybrid material comprising silver nanoparticles embedded within a 3D hydrogel network. The use of an aqueous extract of Acanthus mollis as a natural reducing agent facilitates the synthesis process. Acanthus mollis is a perennial, invasive and leafy plant that is widely distributed across the planet.