Silver‐Based Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

The escalation of the antimicrobial resistance is a menace for the endurance of the human health. According to WHO, the post-antibiotic era has already started, where most of the traditional antibiotics are frequently ineffective in treating infections. Unfortunately, many pharmaceutical companies abolished their programs on new antibiotics discovery and development long back. Recent searches for the new generation of antibiotics have brought only limited success. In this context, nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in fighting against deadly infections. Among several nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles, especially silver-based nanoparticles, are considered as most effective in combating pathogens as they are proved to have innate antibacterial properties since the time unknown. For this reason, silver has been found to be ubiquitously present in widespread commercial products for daily use. In this book chapter, we discuss the recent applications of various silver-based nanomaterials against pathogens and their modes of action. Further, we discuss the challenges in translating the therapeutic potential of nanosilver from bench to bedside. Finally, we mention the future prospects of using silver nanoparticles in the field of antibacterial research.