Plant Derived Silver Nanoparticles and their Therapeutic Applications

Background: Nanotechnology involves the synthesis of materials that are in nanometre sizes (1 to 100 nm). Nanotechnology has appeared as a new area of fundamental science and is getting worldwide consideration due to its extensive applications. They have exceptional physicochemical properties due to their unique size, shape and size distribution. Methods: Conventionally, nanoparticles were synthesized using physical and chemical methods. These methods have various disadvantages; therefore, biological methods possess great interest. Biological synthesis uses bacteria, fungi, algae and plants. Results: Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using plants emerges as nanofactories as they offer nontoxic, clean and eco-friendly methods with various physicochemical properties. Out of all the nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles gain special attention due to their various therapeutical and environmental applications. Conclusion: In this review, a summary of various reports within the last ten years where plants were utilized for silver nanoparticle synthesis has been discussed. Further mechanisms involving synthesis, factors affecting the process of synthesis and therapeutical applications have been discussed.