Progress on green synthesis and antibacterial applications of silver nanoparticles by biological synthesis method

Silver nanoparticles are one of the most widely studied and applied nanomaterials. In recent years, extensive researches have been conducted on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles to avoid toxic by-products in the synthesis process. Herein, the green biological synthesis methods, especially the microbial method and plant extract method, of silver nanoparticles were firstly reviewed. The mechanism and influencing factors of the nano-silver antibacterial performance were introduced, followed by summarization on their antimicrobial applications. Finally, it was pointed out that the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles could be achieved by all kinds of natural compounds rich in plant tissues and microbial cells, while the synthesis potential of silver nanoparticles from different biological sources needed to be further explored. The future development directions should be focused on the size and shape control of silver nanoparticles as well as the reduction of migration and side effects when silver nanoparticles exert their antibacterial effects. © 2024 Fine Chemicals. All rights reserved.