Abstract:

Nanoparticles, consisting of clusters of atoms ranging from 1 to 100 nm, exhibit unique properties attributable to their small size and extensive surface area. This review paper addresses silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), their classification, manufacturing methods, and diverse uses. Nanoparticles are classed into organic, inorganic, and carbon-based categories, with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) being under the inorganic classification. The discussion covers both top-down and bottom-up approaches for synthesis highlighting their strengths and limitations of each. A significant focus on green synthesis approaches that use biological agents such as plant extracts, microorganisms and enzymes present a promising alternative to chemical methods that often involve toxic chemicals and high energy. AgNPs find versatile applications: in agriculture to boost crop resilience, nutrient uptake and pest management; in aquaculture to combat microbial infection; in textiles, to develop smart, antimicrobial fabrics for medical and industrial uses; in environmental to facilitate dye detoxification and pollution degradation; and in health care, to enable targeted drug delivery, support diagnostic assays and promote wound healing. Overall, this review highlights the significance of AgNPs and their capacity to tackle contemporary challenges in medicine, agriculture and environmental protection, while emphasizing the need for ongoing research to improve synthesis strategies and expand their practical application.

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