Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with algae and the importance of capping agents in the process

Abstract

Background Nanoparticle synthesis is a very interesting area of research currently due to the wide applications of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have a diameter ranging between 1 and 100 nm and they are used in different fields like electronics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biotechnology, medicines, etc. Main body of the abstract Nanoparticles have gained the interest of researchers due to their large surface-to-volume ratio and their capability to interact effectively with other particles. Several different methods can be used for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) including chemical, physical, and biological. Out of all the methods, the biological method is considered the cleanest and safest as no toxic chemicals are used in the process. The biological method includes the use of bacteria, fungi, algae, and plant extract for the synthesis. Algal synthesis of AgNPs is especially interesting because of the high capacity of the algae to take in metals and reduce metal ions. Algae is a widely distributed organism and its availability is abundant; an added advantage is their growth under laboratory conditions. These organisms can help in large-scale production at a low cost. Short conclusion This review article explains the different factors that should be considered for the effective synthesis of AgNPs using algae. Capping agents also affect the stability of nanoparticles. It also sheds light on the importance of capping agents in the synthesis of AgNPs. Alga-mediated synthesis of AgNPs along with the use of different capping agents can help in modulating the stability and size of the nanoparticles, thereby improving its cost-effectiveness and environment-friendly production. Graphical abstract

Role of Biogenic Capping Agents in the Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential

“…Wound healing: Wound dressing is usually required for the maintenance of the environment, eliminating the growth of other invading microorganisms, and the removal of excess fluid and dead cells around the wound. To overcome the problems (narrow antimicrobial spectrum, skin allergies, irritation, and cytotoxicity) related to the use of conventional drugs [glucocorticoid steroids and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, indomethacin, and acetylsalicylic acid)], various types of metallic nanoparticles have been used in the healing process (Chugh et al, 2021). It has been found that silver, zinc oxide, and gold nanoparticles coated with biomolecules like polysaccharides and biological extracts help in the wound healing mechanism.…”

“…It has been found that silver, zinc oxide, and gold nanoparticles coated with biomolecules like polysaccharides and biological extracts help in the wound healing mechanism. These nanoparticles trigger apoptosis, tissue necrosis, platelet and stem cell activation, angiogenesis, tissue scar formation, and bacterial clearance and reduce cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) and reepithelialization (Wang et al, 2017;Ovais et al, 2018;Batool et al, 2021;Chugh et al, 2021).…”

Broad Spectrum Anti-Bacterial Activity and Non-Selective Toxicity of Gum Arabic Silver Nanoparticles

“…Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology have influenced and increased the use of silverbased compounds at a nanometer size. Several physical and chemical methods have been reported for the synthesis of AgNPs [4,5], however, AgNPs produced by these methods lead to the production of noxious compounds that are toxic to cells and the environment. To overcome these toxic effects, green synthesis methods, using natural products as reducing and stabilizing agents, were developed [6].…”

“…The use of plant extracts in green synthesis is easier, more efficient, eco-friendly and incurs low cost in comparison with the chemical or microbial mediated synthesis methods. Plant materials are cost-effective as plants are renewable, readily available, and contain antioxidant-rich phytochemicals [4] that can play a major role in the reduction and stabilization of Ag + into bioactive AgNPs. The availability of plants makes the green method amenable to large-scale production of NPs.…”

Fabrication of anti-bacterial cotton bandage using biologically synthesized nanoparticles for medical applications

“…However, physical and chemical methods involve high energy constraints and the use of toxic reagents for synthesis. This issue can be overcome by employing biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes, and plants for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (John et al 2021 ; Koul et al 2021 ; Chugh et al 2021 ; Rai et al 2021 ; Dikshit et al 2021 ). Recently, the use of plant extracts for nanoparticle synthesis has received much attention due to the rich diversity of phytochemicals, availability in bulk quantities, and simplicity (Balciunaitiene et al 2021 ; Amjad et al 2021 ; Gaddam et al 2021 ; Aboyewa et al 2021 ; Selvakesavan and Franklin 2021 ; Sawalha et al 2021 ; Rajagopal et al 2021 ).…”