Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: methods, biological applications, delivery and toxicity

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnology profoundly transformed the pharmaceutical sciences and greatly enhanced the diagnostics and treatment of various diseases that threaten human life. Several metallic nanoparticles are extensively used as nanomedicines due to their potential therapeutic applications. Among them, silver nanoparticles are remarkable due to their unique chemical and physical properties. This review discusses types of nanoparticles, and green synthesis methods along with their reduction mechanisms, involving economically viable reducing materials like algae, seaweeds and flowers. Apart from environment-friendly methods, several biological activities such as wound healing, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tumour, anti-viral, etc., are described in detail. Consequently, we have focused on how silver nanoparticles enhance targeted drug delivery and the mechanism of drug release along with their toxic effects.