Bionanofactories for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Toward Antimicrobial Applications

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 5;22(21):11993. doi: 10.3390/ijms222111993.

Abstract

Among the various types of nanoparticles and their strategy for synthesis, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has gained much attention in the biomedical, cellular imaging, cosmetics, drug delivery, food, and agrochemical industries due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. The green synthesis strategies incorporate the use of plant extracts, living organisms, or biomolecules as bioreducing and biocapping agents, also known as bionanofactories for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The use of green chemistry is ecofriendly, biocompatible, nontoxic, and cost-effective. We shed light on the recent advances in green synthesis and physicochemical properties of green silver nanoparticles by considering the outcomes from recent studies applying SEM, TEM, AFM, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, and XRD techniques. Furthermore, we cover the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities of silver nanoparticles.

Keywords: biocapping agent; biomedical; bionanofactories; bioreduction; green synthesis; silver nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry*
  • Green Chemistry Technology / methods
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / administration & dosage
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Silver / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Silver