Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, and therapeutic applications.
Liuya Wei1, Jingran Lu2, Huizhong Xu3
1School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
Drug Discovery Today
|December 28, 2014
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer therapeutic benefits in biomedicine. This review covers AgNP synthesis, properties, health/environmental impacts, and emerging applications in cancer and viral treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess intrinsic therapeutic properties, leading to widespread use in biomedical applications.
- Understanding AgNP synthesis, physicochemical characteristics, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is crucial for their application.
- Assessing the impact of AgNPs on human health and the environment, including underlying mechanisms, is essential for safe utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce methods for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
- To discuss the physicochemical, LSPR, and toxicity properties of AgNPs.
- To review the impact of AgNPs on human health and the environment.
- To highlight emerging applications of AgNPs in various therapeutic areas.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthesis methods for AgNPs.
- Discussion of physicochemical characterization techniques.
- Analysis of LSPR properties.
- Examination of toxicity studies and environmental impact assessments.
- Literature review of emerging therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- AgNPs exhibit diverse physicochemical and LSPR properties influenced by synthesis methods.
- AgNPs demonstrate both therapeutic potential and toxicity concerns, necessitating careful risk assessment.
- Emerging applications show promise for AgNPs as antiviral agents, photosensitizers, radiosensitizers, and anticancer therapeutics.
- Specific anticancer applications target leukemia, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and skin/oral carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Silver nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials with significant biomedical potential.
- Further research is needed to optimize AgNP synthesis and fully elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms and safety profiles.
- AgNPs represent a promising platform for novel therapeutic strategies against cancer and viral infections.
