Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activities, Applications, Cytotoxicity and Safety Issues: An Updated Review

Abstract

Rapid advances in nanotechnology have led to its emergence as a tool for the development of green synthesized noble metal nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), for applications in diverse fields such as human health, the environment and industry. The importance of AgNPs is because of their unique physicochemical and antimicrobial properties, with a myriad of activities that are applicable in various fields, including the pharmaceutical industry. Countries with high biodiversity require the collection and transformation of information about biological assets into processes, associations, methods and tools that must be combined with the sustainable utilization of biological diversity. Therefore, this review paper discusses the applicable studies of the biosynthesis of AgNPs and their antimicrobial activities towards microorganisms in different areas viz. medicine and agriculture. The confirmed antiviral properties of AgNPs promote their applicability for SARS-CoV-2 treatment, based on assimilating the virus’ activities with those of similar viruses via in vivo studies. In this review, an insight into the cytotoxicity and safety issues of AgNPs, along with their future prospects, is also provided.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Euphorbia wallichii Leaf Extract: Its Antibacterial Action against Citrus Canker Causal Agent and Antioxidant Potential

“…Moreover, alkene, alkyne and alcohol groups were found to be associated with AgNPs, suggesting the involvement of these plant-extract-associated functional groups in reducing the potential of ionic silver to a particulate form. Consistent with our results, several studies focused on the green synthesis of AgNPs, and their physical characteristics and functional groups as reducing agents have been reviewed recently [ 52 ]. Chakraborty et al [ 53 ] have found alkane and alkene as the possible reducing agents of silver ions to atomic silver by using Galphimia glauca leaf extract.…”

Novel Carboxylic Acid-Capped Silver Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial and Colorimetric Sensing Agents

“…FTIR spectroscopic analysis classifies chemical compounds in a wide range of capacities. FTIR is operative for detecting functional groups, which pave the way for identifying capping, stabilizing, or reducing agents for nanoparticles [ 49 ]. FTIR confirmed the successful capping of AgNPs@AA by adipic acid.…”

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Populi gemmae Extract: Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, Antimicrobial Potential and In Vitro Antiproliferative Assessment

“…Green synthesis is a friendly method to the environment, in which plant phytocompounds act as capping, reducing and stabilizer agents, to controlling the size and prevent agglomeration of the resulted biocompatible nanoparticles. In addition, is a rapid, economical, easy and eco-friendliness method that employs natural ingredients, which are safe and less harmful to humans and nature [ 59 ]. Several parameters must be taken into account for the green synthesis of AgNPs such as: temperature, reaction time between plant extract and metal salt, pH, metal salt and plant extract concentrations.…”