How do you use silver nanoparticles?

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been one of the most attractive nanomaterials in biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this article, we delve into the most recent advances in the synthesis methods, medical applications, and biosafety of AgNPs. The methods to synthesize AgNPs include physical, chemical, and biological means. AgNPs are mainly utilized for antimicrobial and anticancer therapies; they also aid wound repair, bone healing, and serve as vaccine adjuvants, anti-diabetic agents, and biosensors. This review outlines the biological mechanisms of AgNPs, involving the release of silver ions (Ag+), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and membrane structure destruction. Despite the therapeutic benefits, biological safety issues like potential cell, tissue, and organ toxicity need attention. Notably, silver Ångstrom (Å, 1 Å = 0.1 nm) particles (AgÅPs), a smaller form of AgNPs, show better biological activity and lower toxicity. We also discuss current challenges and future directions for AgNPs.

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Evaluating Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles

Given the extensive use of products containing AgNPs, such as dressings, creams, solvents, and scaffolds, evaluating their potential toxicity in cells, tissues, and organs is crucial. Common exposure routes include skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, and injection. These routes can distribute AgNPs to various systems such as the skin, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, hepatobiliary, urinary, and reproductive systems. Deposited AgNPs may induce toxicity causing cell necrosis, apoptosis, or genetic mutations. For example, AgNPs in the lungs can lead to pneumonia and asthma and might cross the blood-testis barrier (BTB), affecting fertility and causing birth defects. Research on model animals associates potential toxicity with properties like large surface area, dose, concentration, and exposure time. Understanding the pharmacodynamics of AgNPs in vivo could lead to safer, bio-friendly agents.

AgNPs in Cancer Therapy

AgNPs have been extensively studied for their anticancer properties. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show AgNPs effectively combat various cancers, including cervical, breast, lung, liver, nasopharyngeal, glioblastoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, and prostate cancer. Our team synthesized silver particles on an Ångstrom scale, observing enhanced anticancer activities compared to regular AgNPs. Factors such as particle size, shape, and surface charge influence anticancer efficiency, with smaller particles showing higher biological activity. Proposed mechanisms include interrupting cancer cell structures, inducing ROS production and DNA damage, enzyme inactivation, and signaling pathway regulation. Further studies on these mechanisms could pave the way for economical, reliable, broad-spectrum anticancer agents.

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Synthesis Methods of AgNPs

Synthesis methods for AgNPs, aiming for controlled size and shape, include physical, chemical, and biological processes. Physical methods involve mechanical and vapor-based processes, like milling, pyrolysis, and spark discharge. Physical synthesis yields AgNPs with uniform size and high purity. Chemical methods, like reducing silver ions to silver atoms, are most common. They involve nucleation and growth phases, with external energies like microwaves or heat enhancing synthesis. Despite widespread usage, chemical methods pose toxicity and pollution risks. Biological methods, using microorganisms or plant extracts, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative with agents like enzymes, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids aiding synthesis. Additives in these methods can significantly impact medical applications of AgNPs.

Silver and its compounds, utilized for antibacterial and therapeutic purposes for millennia, have regained attention with nanotechnology advancements, especially amid antibiotic resistance issues. Plant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs, involving extracts from various plant parts, shows promise due to simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and high reducing potential. However, algae and fungi-mediated syntheses also demonstrate potential, leveraging the unique properties of these organisms to produce stable and diverse AgNPs.

Biological Synthesis Approaches

Microbial and plant-mediated biological syntheses of AgNPs leverage microorganisms' metal tolerance genes and metal bioconcentration capabilities. These biological methods, avoiding the use of toxic chemicals, are conducted at normal temperature and pressure. In contrast to physical or chemical methods, biological methods ensure bio-compatible AgNPs suitable for medical applications.

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Silver Nanoclusters and Other Applications

Silver nanoclusters, due to their unique properties, serve as synthetic probes and have applications in biological imaging. Studies have shown their potential in detecting mercury content and specific molecules in blood samples. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of AgNPs is used for biochemical sensing and analytical chemistry. AgNPs show great promise in biosensing, drug delivery, and enhancing the sensitivity of biomolecule signals.

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