title: Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, Properties, Applications, and Therapeutic Approaches.
abstract: Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology radically changed the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent various diseases in all aspects of human life. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most vital and fascinating nanomaterials among several metallic nanoparticles that are involved in biomedical applications. AgNPs play an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly in nanomedicine. Although several noble metals have been used for various purposes, AgNPs have been focused on potential applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we discuss the synthesis of AgNPs using physical, chemical, and biological methods. We also discuss the properties of AgNPs and methods for their characterization. More importantly, we extensively discuss the multifunctional bio-applications of AgNPs; for example, as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer agents, and the mechanism of the anti-cancer activity of AgNPs. In addition, we discuss therapeutic approaches and challenges for cancer therapy using AgNPs. Finally, we conclude by discussing the future perspective of AgNPs.
authors.affiliation: College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China. zhangxf9465@163.com.
authors.forename: Xi-Feng
authors.initials: XF
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China. zhiguo_l@126.com.
authors.forename: Zhi-Guo
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China. shenwei427@126.com.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea. gsangiliyandi@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Sangiliyandi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gurunathan
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D012834:Silver
keywords: applications; cancer therapy; characterization; mechanisms; silver nanoparticles; synthesis