Selection of Suitable Biological Method for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

• Main Authors: Muhammad Ashraf Sabri, Asim Umer, Gul Hameed Awan, Muhammad Faheem Hassan, Azhar Hasnain
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2016-04-01
• Series: Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
• Subjects: Nanotechnology; Silver Nanoparticles; Biological Methods; Antimicrobial Activity
• Online Access: http://www.intechopen.com/journals/nanomaterials_and_nanotechnology/selection-of-suitable-biological-method-for-the-synthesis-of-silver-nanoparticles

This paper aims to present a brief overview of different biosynthesis routes of silver nanoparticles (NPs), their applications and influence of the method used on the size and morphology of these nanoparticles. A detailed and comprehensive study of available biological methods, also referred to as a bottom-up approach, as well as techniques reported, have been provided with an eye for details and comparison between the techniques involving fungi, bacteria, algae and plant extracts. Plant-derived bioreduc‐ tants such as leaf, stem or root extracts of various plants are seen as suitable solutions to green synthesis of silver NPs, implementing an easy, non-toxic, clean and environmen‐ tally friendly approach. Furthermore, reports on the antimicrobial activities with the zone of inhibition for various pathogens have also been included.