Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Biogenically Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

In recent years, the development of nanotechnology has been focused on the development of protocols to synthesize important technological and medical metallic nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles, based on clean, nontoxic, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly approaches. “Green” synthesis of nanoparticles can be successfully performed extracellularly or intracellularly by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and plant extracts. Only in the recent past, biogenic syntheses of metal nanoparticles have gained significant attention. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered one of the most important and commonly used metallic nanoparticles, in particular in medical applications, due to their known antimicrobial activities. In this scenario, this chapter discusses the recent developments on the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs by bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae and plants, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of biogenic syntheses methods. Moreover, in order to propose any biological applications of AgNPs, it is mandatory to detailed investigate the toxicity of this nanomaterial. In this context, this chapter also discusses recent progress on the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of biogenic and chemically synthesized AgNPs. Although important progresses have been reached in this domain, there is still a necessity of more and detailed studies on the toxicity of AgNPs, in particular on biogenic AgNPs. Therefore, this chapter hopes to be a source of inspiration for more studies on the biogenic syntheses of AgNPs and the fully characterization of their toxic effects on humans and on the environment.