SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES: A PLANT EXTRACTS MEDIATED ECOFRIENDLY APPROACH

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as one of the most widely explored nanomaterials owing to their distinctive optical, chemical, and morphological properties. Their high stability, tunable surface characteristics, and broad-spectrum biological activities have positioned them as valuable tools in medicine, biosensing, imaging, and antimicrobial therapies. Recent advances in green nanotechnology, particularly plant-mediated synthesis, provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical approaches, minimizing toxicity and energy demands. Objective: This review aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of plant-derived phytochemicals in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and to emphasize the importance of optimizing reaction conditions for achieving desirable structural and functional properties. Main Discussion Points: The review discusses general considerations of AgNP synthesis, including the influence of shape, size, and surface properties on biological activity. It outlines the role of various plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, detailing how natural compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins enhance both synthesis and biomedical efficacy. Furthermore, the review examines spectrophotometric and morphological characterization techniques and evaluates how reaction influencers—such as pH, precursor concentration, incubation time, and temperature—directly affect yield, stability, and therapeutic potential. Conclusion: Plant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs represents a promising frontier in nanomedicine, offering safe, sustainable, and versatile applications. However, standardization of protocols, mechanistic insights, and clinical validation are necessary to translate laboratory findings into reliable biomedical interventions.