Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, toxicology, applications and perspectives

Abstract

In recent years the outbreak of re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases has been a significant burden on global economies and public health. The growth of population and urbanization along with poor water supply and environmental hygiene are the main reasons for the increase in outbreak of infectious pathogens. Transmission of infectious pathogens to the community has caused outbreaks of diseases such as influenza (A/H5N1), diarrhea (Escherichia coli), cholera (Vibrio cholera), etc throughout the world. The comprehensive treatments of environments containing infectious pathogens using advanced disinfectant nanomaterials have been proposed for prevention of the outbreaks. Among these nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) with unique properties of high antimicrobial activity have attracted much interest from scientists and technologists to develop nanosilver-based disinfectant products. This article aims to review the synthesis routes and antimicrobial effects of Ag-NPs against various pathogens including bacteria, fungi and virus. Toxicology considerations of Ag-NPs to humans and ecology are discussed in detail. Some current applications of Ag-NPs in water-, air- and surface- disinfection are described. Finally, future prospects of Ag-NPs for treatment and prevention of currently emerging infections are discussed.

Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun PHA/Graphene Silver Nano-Composite Scaffold for Antibacterial Application

“…Among the noble metals, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have been extensively investigated due to its ease synthesis and unique properties including antiseptic, antibacterial, low cytotoxicity, high electrical and thermal conductivity [33,34]. Ag-NPs find application in diverse fields like optical sensors, textile engineering, electronics, bactericidal agent, dental resin composites, coating of medical devices, water filters, air sanitizer sprays, pillows, respirators, wet wipes, detergents, toothpastes, bone cement, wound dressing and therapeutic agent.…”

Nanotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

“…However, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of cytotoxicity and/or genotoxicity is necessary [11]. Silver nanoparticles are the most studied metallic nanoparticles but their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are not fully understood [10,[12][13][14][15]. The toxicity of more complex nanostructures, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, is also uncertain [16].…”

Silver nanoparticles exhibit size-dependent differential toxicity and induce expression of syncytin-1 in FA-AML1 and MOLT-4 leukaemia cell lines

“…However, driven by the emergence antibiotic resistance, the use of silver as an antimicrobial has increased dramatically over the last few years (1). Moreover, recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the creation of nano-sized silver particles which are now used in a diverse array of both medical and domestic products including catheters, sutures, disinfectants, furniture, paints, textiles, clothes and even telephones (2). Indeed, in 2010 it was estimated that around 320 tons of AgNPs were manufactured globally (3).…”