A Comprehensive Review of Silver Nanoparticles: Classification, Synthesis, Properties, Applications, and Toxicity

*Suruchi Yadav, ¹Neha Vohra
*Associate Professor, ¹Assistant Professor
CBS college of Pharmacy & Technology

Article Details

Title: A Comprehensive Review of Silver Nanoparticles: Classification, Synthesis, Properties, Applications, and Toxicity

Authors: Suruchi Yadav, Neha Vohra

Published in: PEXACY International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science

Volume/Issue: 3(12)

Pages: 25–51

Publication Date: 29/12/2024

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14567901

ISSN: 2584-024X

Language: English

Publisher: PEXACY International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science

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Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered remarkable attention across scientific and industrial domains due to their unique physicochemical properties, including potent antimicrobial activity, tunable optical characteristics, high electrical and thermal conductivities, and broad applicability in fields ranging from medicine to energy. This review presents a comprehensive examination of AgNPs, detailing classifications, synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and diverse applications. The synthesis approaches, including top-down (e.g., milling, laser ablation) and bottom-up (e.g., chemical reduction, microemulsion, and biological synthesis), are discussed with an emphasis on how reaction parameters—such as temperature, pH, and concentration—influence nanoparticle size, shape, and surface functionality. The review also covers prevalent techniques for characterization, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and zeta potential analysis, highlighting how each method provides insights into critical attributes like particle stability and crystalline structure. Furthermore, the paper explores a range of AgNP applications, from antimicrobial coatings and wound healing products to advanced catalysts, conductive inks for printed electronics, and thermal energy storage systems. Despite these advantages, concerns over toxicity and environmental safety remain paramount, underscoring the need for responsible design and usage. Factors including nanoparticle size, shape, surface charge, and aggregation significantly affect their toxicological profiles. Finally, this review addresses emerging trends—such as biosynthesis routes and multifunctional nanocomposites—and examines the evolving regulatory landscape that shapes the safe and sustainable deployment of silver nanoparticles.

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Synthesis methods, Antimicrobial activity, Toxicity, Plasmonic properties, Conductive inks, Thermal energy storage, Green synthesis, Biomedical applications

Article can be accessed online on: PEXACY International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14567901
Corresponding Author-Suruchi Yadav
Email-(suruchiyadavs144@gmail.com)
Update: Received on 04/12/2024; Accepted; 18/12/2024, Published on; 29/12/2024