ABSTRACT:
Nanoparticle is termed as particle with a dimension in between 1–100 nm. Nanotechnology has potential prospects for research and development in modern science. Nanoparticles have wide applications in the field of electronics, biology, medicine, agriculture, cosmetics and many more. A bulk material has constant physical property but shows diverse physical, chemical and biological properties at the nano range. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained a lot of interest in recent times due to their unique properties like electrical, optical, catalytic, antimicrobial and other biological properties. AgNPs can be produced by physical, chemical and biological processes. Although chemical synthesis produces large amount of AgNPs in a short period of time, the chemicals used are found to have many adverse effects on human health and the environment. Due to these adverse effects, the need for environment friendly and less harmful synthesis has become very essential. Hence, many researchers have developed several biological processes for the production of AgNPs. Biosynthesis of AgNPs includes synthesis using plants, fungi, algae, bacteria, yeast and other biological materials like fish scales, egg shells and crabs. Plant-based AgNPs synthesis is getting more and more attention among the researchers because this is nontoxic, cost-effective, relatively simple, and environmentally benign process. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review AgNPs synthesis using extracts of various biological materials along with their size, shape and applications such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, catalytic and anticancer activities.