SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES, MULTIFUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS IN BIOMEDICINE AND ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Nanotechnology has the got the potential to develop a succession of procedures and tools which can revolutionize biomedical field. They are faster, cheaper, lighter and more energy efficient. The word nanotechnology refers to those materials having at least one of its dimension in the range 1-100nm and display entirely different properties when compared to bulk material due to difference in shape, size and morphology of particles. These properties called nanoparticles (NPs) include large surface area and increased chemical reactivity. Size dependent properties are observed such as, quantum confinement in semi conducting materials and supermagnetism in magnetic materials, etc. They can be synthesized by both ways, either chemically or biologically. Metallic nanoparticles find their enormous applications ranging from medical treatments, antibacterial activities to use in industries for various purposes. In this regard silver Nps have got immense significance in technology and especially to prevent bacterial infection in medicine. It‟s also used in hospital equipments including catheters, stents, bandages, and wound dressings. This article intends to present various synthetic techniques, like chemical, physical and biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, unique properties of silver nanoparticles along with their applications are also reviewed