Silver nanoparticles – a material of the future…?

Abstract

Abstract:The paper presents properties of nanomaterials and methods of their principal applications. Environmental aspects of using nanomaterials and reasons for their toxicity are also reviewed. The vast part of the paper is devoted to properties, application and market of silver nanoparticles. Their biocidal activity is clarified. However, silver nanoparticles may cause environmental pollution. Reasons for their toxicity have been also described.

The Influence of Soil pH on the Uptake of Silver Nanoparticles in a Terrestrial System

“…According to Hendren et al [10], the total production of Ag NPs in the United States was 2.8-20 metric ton/year and is growing. It is estimated that by 2025 the global Ag NPs market would be 800 metric ton [11]. There are many ways that Ag NPs can enter the environment, both intentionally and accidentally [12].…”

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

“…Currently, nanomaterials are produced in the hundreds of thousands of tons. They are used in innovative products and processes (Pulit-Prociak & Banach, 2016). The incorporation of nanoparticles in the productive sectors is due to their scale (1 nm = 10−9 m), which provides higher surface area to volume ratio as well as to their novelty properties.…”

“…SNPs have also a potent antibacterial and antifungal activity and general anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, SNPs can improve wound healing and may be exploited to develop dressings for wounds and burns and antibacterial coatings on medical devices to reduce nosocomial infection rates (Rauwel et al, 2015;Azmath et al, 2016 andPulit-Prociak &Banach, 2016).…”

“…Some microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi play an important role in the remediation of toxic metals through the reduction of the metal ions; therefore, these microorganisms could be employed as nanofactories for nanoparticle production. Several studies have shown that metal nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, gold-silver alloy, selenium, tellurium, platinum, palladium, silica, titanium, zirconium, quantum dots and magnetite can be biosynthesized by bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi and viruses ((Pulit-Prociak & Banach, 2016).…”

Adsorption of Silver Nanoparticles from Aqueous Solution by Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

“…In order to assess the emerging threats from AgNPs, one should take into account their toxicity degree and exposure route [17]. After oral administration of silver in mammals, it can distribute to all organs.…”