Abstract The present study reports rapid biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles within 20–30 min using Cissus quadrangularis extracts. The ultra violet spectrum of silver nanoparticles gave surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 450 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Well dispersed and spherical shaped (50–100 nm) silver nanoparticles were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles using C. quadrangularis significantly controls the growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria at a lower (10 μg/mL) minimal inhibitory concentration. The results highlight the fast, ambient and convenient synthesis of silver nanoparticles using C. quadrangularis extracts for the possibility to control the aquatic bacteria.