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

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.

Automated summary

Rapid advances in nanotechnology have led to the emergence of green synthesized noble metal nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are used in diverse fields like human health, environment, and industry. The unique physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of AgNPs make them applicable in various fields, including the pharmaceutical industry. Studies on biosynthesis of AgNPs and their antimicrobial activities towards microorganisms, specifically in medicine and agriculture, are discussed in this review paper. The confirmed antiviral properties of AgNPs make them potentially useful for SARS-CoV-2 treatment, based on in vivo studies assimilating the virus's activities with those of similar viruses. This review also provides insights into the cytotoxicity and safety issues of AgNPs, along with discussing their future prospects.