Chapter 11 - Controlled-release and positive effects of silver nanoparticles: An overview

Abstract

In the field of nanotechnology, silver is the most frequently exploited metal owing to the best response and unique properties of silver nanoparticles regarding their application for various purposes in different fields such as medicine, food, agriculture, etc. This chapter deals with the green synthesis, controlled release, and positive effects of silver nanoparticles as nanofertilizers. Characterization of the green AgNPs is necessary for better understanding of their properties, which in turn helps in their positive application in various fields, for instance, plant growth improvement, drug delivery, agriculture, etc. Regarding plant growth improvement, application of these green AgNPs obtained using bacteria and plant extracts have shown very promising results with significant improvement in various growth and biochemical parameters of treated plants compared to the control treatment. Several materials are available, which are used as biosorbents for the slow release of AgNPs. The most prominent feature of green AgNPs is their nontoxic, ecofriendly nature, in addition to their low-cost and higher efficiency. For the proper functioning of silver nanoparticles, their size, shape, and physical properties play a significant role and help in the controlled release of these silver nanoparticles at the site of action.