
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as one of the most extensively investigated nanomaterials due to their distinctive physicochemical properties, including nanoscale dimensions, large surface area-to-volume ratio, surface plasmon resonance, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These attributes have enabled their application in pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, wound management, diagnostics, food packaging, and environmental remediation. Conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods frequently employ toxic reagents, hazardous solvents, and energy-intensive processes, raising serious concerns regarding environmental sustainability and biocompatibility. Consequently, green synthesis strategies have gained prominence as eco-friendly alternatives aligned with the principles of green chemistry. This review presents a comprehensive and critical comparison of plant-mediated, microbe-mediated, and biopolymer-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Mechanistic pathways, influencing parameters, advantages, limitations, and recent advancements associated with each approach are systematically discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on nanoparticle characterization, biological and pharmacological activities, biocompatibility, toxicity, scalability, and regulatory considerations. Comparative evaluation reveals that while plant- and microbial-mediated routes offer simplicity and biological functionality, biopolymer-assisted synthesis provides superior reproducibility, stability, and pharmaceutical suitability. The review highlights existing challenges and future perspectives for the clinical and industrial translation of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles.
Silver nanoparticles; Green synthesis; Plant-mediated synthesis; Microbial synthesis; Biopolymer-assisted synthesis; Pharmaceutical nanotechnology
Silver nanoparticles; Green synthesis; Plant-mediated synthesis; Microbial synthesis; Biopolymer-assisted synthesis; Pharmaceutical nanotechnology
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
