Silver nanoparticles as nano-antimicrobials: Bioactivity, benefits and bottlenecks

Abstract

Nanotechnology deals with the precision manufacturing and engineering of metals at the molecular scale. Nanoparticles possess very high surface area to volume ratios and hence exhibit unique properties compared to bulk metal. Due to their size-dependent properties, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have become an efficient antimicrobial agent. SNPs are used as antibacterial, antifungal, anticandidal and antiviral agents in medicines, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The bioactivity of SNPs widely depends on their large surface area which provides better contact with microorganisms. The present chapter deals with use of SNPs as a nano-antimicrobial agent. The different applications offered by SNPs and also the bottlenecks are discussed.