Toxicological Aspects, Safety Assessment, and Green Toxicology of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)—Critical Review: State of the Art

Abstract

In recent years, research on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted considerable interest among scientists because of, among other things, their alternative application to well-known medical agents with antibacterial properties. The size of the silver nanoparticles ranges from 1 to 100 nm. In this paper, we review the progress of research on AgNPs with respect to the synthesis, applications, and toxicological safety of AgNPs, and the issue of in vivo and in vitro research on silver nanoparticles. AgNPs’ synthesis methods include physical, chemical, and biological routes, as well as “green synthesis”. The content of this article covers issues related to the disadvantages of physical and chemical methods, which are expensive and can also have toxicity. This review pays special attention to AgNP biosafety concerns, such as potential toxicity to cells, tissues, and organs.

Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

“…Silver nanoparticles have been used to prevent bacterial growth and treat infections, but their toxicity may limit their use. 363 Copper nanoparticles also show antimicrobial activity. 364 Films or Coatings.…”

“…Metal or alloy nanoparticles can also be effective antibacterial agents. Silver nanoparticles have been used to prevent bacterial growth and treat infections, but their toxicity may limit their use . Copper nanoparticles also show antimicrobial activity …”

A chemically functionalized glass support for gold and silver metallic nanoparticle analysis with LIBS

“…9 Silver nanoparticles are another typical example of solid metallic nanoparticles, which, unlike gold, owe their popularity to their bactericidal, 11,12 catalytic, 12 anti-inammatory, 13,14 and other medical 13 properties. However, the widespread use of nanoparticles has led to some opinions and evidence about the potential of solid metallic nanoparticles as toxic agents [15][16][17] for human health [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] and as pollutants in the environment, 16,21,23 especially water. 21 Despite the rapid dissemination of the use of nanoparticles of gold, silver, and other metals, the quantication of these nanomaterials is a major analytical challenge, mainly due to their characteristic size and the lack of highly sensitive detection systems that guarantee a high degree of precision and accuracy that this type of analysis requires.…”

“…9 Silver nanoparticles are another typical example of solid metallic nanoparticles, which, unlike gold, owe their popularity to their bactericidal, 11,12 catalytic, 12 anti-inflammatory, 13,14 and other medical 13 properties. However, the widespread use of nanoparticles has led to some opinions and evidence about the potential of solid metallic nanoparticles as toxic agents 15–17 for human health 16–22 and as pollutants in the environment, 16,21,23 especially water. 21…”

Enhanced properties of PVDF membranes using green Ag-nanoclay composite nanoarchitectonics

“…Membrane technologies have extensively investigated the catalytic, electrical, optical, and antibacterial properties of AgNPs [42]. AgNPs are incorporated into membranes, resulting in high levels of antimicrobial activity, electroconductivity, photocatalytic degradation, and thermal response [43].…”