Microalgae Mediated Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-Nps) Synthesis and Their Biological Activities

Abstract

Silver ions and silver based compounds are known bactericides. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) show efficient antibacterial activity due to the large surface area that comes in contact with the microbial cells and therefore, has a higher percentage of interaction than larger particles of the same parent material. With nanoparticles integrated in consumers' health and industrial products, it is necessary to develop techniques that implement a bio-synthesis of nanoparticles. Microalgae based nanoparticles have received attention due to their outstanding properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and low cost. In this study, microalgae as model biological systems for their ability to form Ag-NPs were reviewed. Further, biological activities of microalgae synthesized Ag-NPs as reported by earlier studies were evaluated.