Silver nanoparticle synthesis from cyanobacteria: Environmental and biomedical applications

Abstract

Silver and silver salts have been utilized from the ancient civilization, but silver nanoparticles have been utilized recently. Physical and chemical methods such as reduction of silver salt solution, thermal decomposition of silver compound, and sonication have been utilized for the synthesis of nanoparticle. These methods are simple and can achieve the complex morphology but limit their application in the area of healthcare because of associated toxicity and biocompatibility problems. In order to overcome this, researchers have proposed biogenic approach as a cleaner, economical, ecofriendly, and sustainable route for nanoparticle synthesis. This process reduces the need of hazardous chemicals and decreases the need of downstream processing, which makes the process more economical and less energy intensive. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be synthesized by bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae. The microbes are having ability to function under variable extremes of temperature, pressure, and pH which makes them more attractive. In particular, silver-based nanomaterials have emerged as a promising potential in biomedical applications and are utilized in cosmetic, biosensor, nanofertilizer, nanopesticides, bioimaging, targeted drug and gene delivery, etc. AgNPs are also used in packaging to prevent damage of food products by pathogens. Due to biocompatibility, biogenic AgNPs are much attractive in the nanomedicine and medical devices.