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Review
. 2014 May 16:9:2399-407.
doi: 10.2147/IJN.S55015. eCollection 2014.

Nanosilver particles in medical applications: synthesis, performance, and toxicity

Liangpeng Ge  1 , Qingtao Li  2 , Meng Wang  3 , Jun Ouyang  4 , Xiaojian Li  5 , Malcolm M Q Xing  3
Affiliations
Review

Nanosilver particles in medical applications: synthesis, performance, and toxicity

Liangpeng Ge et al. Int J Nanomedicine. .

Abstract

Nanosilver particles (NSPs), are among the most attractive nanomaterials, and have been widely used in a range of biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, drug delivery, medical device coating, and for personal health care. With the increasing application of NSPs in medical contexts, it is becoming necessary for a better understanding of the mechanisms of NSPs' biological interactions and their potential toxicity. In this review, we first introduce the synthesis routes of NSPs, including physical, chemical, and biological or green synthesis. Then the unique physiochemical properties of NSPs, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activity, are discussed in detail. Further, some recent applications of NSPs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in medical fields are described. Finally, potential toxicology considerations of NSPs, both in vitro and in vivo, are also addressed.

Keywords: biomedical application; nanosilver particles; synthesis; toxicity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biomedical applications of nanosilver particles in human health care.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical synthesis of nanosilver particles. Abbreviation: Ag, silver.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Biological (or green) synthesis of nanosilver particles. Abbreviations: NADP+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (oxidized form); NADPH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form); Ag, silver.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Antibacterial mechanism of nanosilver particles. Abbreviation: DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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