Biosynthesis, antimicrobial spectra and applications of silver nanoparticles: current progress and future prospects

The importance of biological agents has been recognized as a promising tool for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles over conventional physiochemical methods that are laden with various type of drawbacks. The biomediated nanoparticles synthesis chiefly employing microorganisms and plants as nanofactories is gaining worldwide popularity over past few decades. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have demonstrated desirable physical and chemical and antimicrobial properties among other metallic nanoparticles. This article represents a comprehensive review of biosynthesis route for silver nanoparticles formation including the mechanism, extra- and intra-cellular types and remarkable outcomes of previously conducted research works on biosynthesis. Broad antimicrobial spectra including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, sporicidal of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles with major emphasis on their potential applications in biocatalysis, biosensing, food packaging and preservation, pest killing and plant growth promotion, biomedicine and diagnostics etc. have been discussed. Moreover, this article also encompasses meticulous description on challenges and future prospects of biosynthesis of nanoparticles.

Automated summary

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles is a promising green method with desirable physical, chemical, and antimicrobial properties. This article provides a comprehensive review of the biosynthesis route, antimicrobial spectra, potential applications, and challenges.