Silver Nanoparticles as Anticancer Agents: Mechanisms Insight, Current Studies, and Limitations

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been studied extensively in recent years due to their biological activities. In addition to their well-known antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, AgNPs also exhibit anticancer properties. Increasing evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrates that AgNPs exert significant anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. In addition to these mechanisms, inhibition of certain pathways is also an important mechanism that enables AgNPs to exhibit anticancer activity. Furthermore, green-synthesized AgNPs often exhibit enhanced biocompatibility and improved selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Despite these promising findings, concerns regarding AgNP-associated toxicity, non-specific cellular damage, and long-term safety remain major challenges limiting their clinical translation. Strategies such as size and shape optimization, surface functionalization, and combination therapies have been recommended to enhance anticancer efficacy while minimizing adverse effects on healthy cells. This review brings together recent studies, offers a broad perspective, and aims to present an objective viewpoint to fully explain the anticancer potential and current challenges of AgNPs.