Phyto-synthesized silver nanoparticles for biological applications

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are valuable metal nanoparticles that exhibit exceptional properties compared to their bulk materials. Pronounced surface area, quantum confinement effect complemented by small particle dimension, and many other extraordinary characteristics make AgNPs suitable in a variety of applications. Different methods have been adopted to synthesize AgNPs. Biological methods can formulate AgNPs in an environmentally friendly manner without producing toxic waste. Among the biological methods, plants are simple and attractive sources for AgNP synthesis. Compared to AgNPs produced via other modes of synthesis, phyto-synthesized AgNPs, due to their safety features, have been found to be advantageous for a variety of applications, especially biological applications. Strong research efforts have investigated the utility of phyto-synthesized AgNPs for different applications. Investigators are coming up with innovative applications of phyto-synthesized AgNPs for the development of science and technology and to benefit humankind. The present article focuses on phyto-synthesized AgNPs for biological applications, with a brief review of their synthesis, mechanism, and size/shape control.