SILVER NANOPARTICLES: MULTIFUNCTIONAL AGENTS FOR BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant attention due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, enabling broad applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and environmental sciences. Their nanoscale size and high surface-to-volume ratio enhance antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, even at low concentrations. Various synthesis methods—including physical, chemical, and biological approaches—have been developed, with eco-friendly green synthesis using plants and microorganisms emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. AgNPs demonstrate therapeutic potential in drug delivery, wound healing, diagnostics, and medical device coatings, with notable synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, challenges regarding toxicity, stability, and environmental safety remain critical concerns. This review summarizes synthesis strategies, characterization techniques, biological applications, and safety considerations for AgNPs while emphasizing the importance of optimizing green synthesis approaches and comprehensive toxicity profiling to ensure safe and effective biomedical and industrial applications.