Silver nanoparticles possess unique properties which find myriad applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer, larvicidal, catalytic, and wound healing activities. Biogenic syntheses of silver nanoparticles using plants and their pharmacological and other potential applications are gaining momentum owing to its assured rewards. This critical review is aimed at providing an insight into the phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles, its significant applications in various fields, and characterization techniques involved.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using the aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis under various experimental conditions. The aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis showed significant potential for the quick reduction of silver ions. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible absorption spectrophotometer, XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis. The average crystallite size as calculated from x-ray diffraction studies and SEM analysis was found to be less than 100 nm. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanosilver was carried out against prostate cancer cells (PC3) by MTT assay and found to show significant activity. The present work of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Alternanthera sessilis appears to be cost effective, eco-friendly, and an alternative to conventional method of synthesis.

Silver nanoparticles prepared through a simplistic method using the aqueous extract ofAmaranthus dubiuswere fabricated on perspiration pads and cotton cloth samples to obtain antibacterial textile materials by two different fabrication methods. The antibacterial activity was investigated against the bacteriaCorynebacteriumwhich is commonly present in sweat. Silver nanoparticles that serve as antibacterial agents, against pathogenic bacteria, have gained increased applications in medical devices, textile fabrics, and food industry and hence the result of this study would be a welcomed option.

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This article describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis as a reducing agent by sonication, espousing green chemistry principles. Biologically synthesized nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have significant potential in the field of biopharmaceutics due to its smaller size entailing high surface area and synergistic effects of embedded biomolecules. In the present work the cytotoxic effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles studied by MTT assay against breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cell line) showed significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 value 3.04 μg/mL compared to that of standard cisplatin. The superior activity of the silver nanoparticles may be due to the spherical shape and smaller particle size 10–30 nm as confirmed from transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The data obtained in the study reveal the potent therapeutic value of biogenic silver nanoparticles and the scope for further development of anticancer drugs.