Bactericidal activity of silver nanoparticles: A mechanistic review

Abstract

Metallic nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained lots of attention due to the continuous upsurge in microbial infections and diseases, and also inefficient treatment. Also, due to rapid intensification in the antibiotic resistance in this period has revived the consideration of the researchers and scientists to explore the therapeutic abilities of silver and its nanoparticulate systems as potential antimicrobial agents. Indeed, numerous studies suggested that AgNPs have exhibited significant antimicrobial actions, specifically against the bacterial infections. Ample of studies have been performed to evaluate and estimate the antibacterial potentials of silver and its associated products, and it was noticed that the they these Ag-particles triggers the oxidative stress, protein dysfunction, membrane and DNA damage, leading to microbial cell damage. Although it has exhibited antimicrobial activities, but its adverse effects over human health has been a major concern. Further, in this review we have summarized the significance of silver and AgNPs, various approaches for the preparation of AgNPs, antibacterial mechanism and probable toxicity in the cell environment. Furthermore, this review has been focused to consider the major mechanisms behind the bactericidal actions of the silver and silver nanoparticles-based systems, followed by comprehensive ideas related to their toxic potentials. This review would open new robust possibilities to develop silver nanoparticle-based antimicrobial systems with desired properties for effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans.

Keywords

• Silver
• Silver nanoparticles
• Bacterial resistance
• Antibacterial activity
• Mechanism of action
• Toxicity profile