Recent progress in nanoformulations of silver nanoparticles with cellulose, chitosan, and alginic acid biopolymers for antibacterial applications

Nanotechnology presents the new aspect of material as nanomaterials (NMs) with unique properties such as the large surface area to the volume ratio compared to bulk types. Metal and polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are two major groups of NMs with various medicinal and non-medicinal applications. The rise of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms in general, and bacteria in particular, has necessitated the use of these NMs as novel antibacterial agents. In this regard, medicinal usage of natural polymers particularly cellulose, chitosan, and alginic acid are increasing due to their higher biocompatibility, biodegradability, and accessibility than to other biopolymers or synthetic polymers. Antibacterial activities of these polysaccharides can be improved by incorporation of silver NPs as nanocomposite (NC) forms. Therefore, in this review, recent advances related to nanoformulations of silver NPs with three biopolymers having antibacterial and biocompatibility properties have been discussed.