Chapter 9 - Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, characterization and their biological efficacy

Abstract

The development of reliable and environmentally friendly nanoparticle production technologies is a critical step in the field of nanotechnology. Silver and silver salts have been used since the dawn of civilization, but silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have just lately been discovered. Silver nanostructures have become increasingly important as a result of their widespread use in a variety of fields, including renewable energy, electronics, biosensors, wastewater treatment, medicine, and clinical equipment. They've been employed as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidants in agriculture and medicine. Ag NPs have been shown to stop the growth and multiplication of numerous bacteria. For the manufacture of silver nanoparticles AgNPs, biomolecules from diverse plant components and microbial species have been employed as possible agents. The biological agents used to make AgNPs include chemicals found in bacteria and plants. Various authors have documented over 100 different biological sources for generating AgNPs in the last decade. The size, size distribution, and shape of silver nanostructures are substantially influenced by synthesis process variables such as process type, equipment type, reagent type, precursor concentration, temperature, process duration, and pH. Green nanotechnology allows for a simple, cost-effective, high-yield, and environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs. Several efforts have been made in the recent decade to develop green synthesis processes that prevent hazardous consequences. This review describes the methods of green synthesis for Ag-NPs, characterization, and their numerous applications.