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Review
. 2015 May;20(5):595-601.
doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.11.014. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, and therapeutic applications

Liuya Wei  1 , Jingran Lu  2 , Huizhong Xu  3 , Atish Patel  4 , Zhe-Sheng Chen  5 , Guofang Chen  6
Affiliations
Review

Silver nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, and therapeutic applications

Liuya Wei et al. Drug Discov Today. 2015 May.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in biomedical fields because of their intrinsic therapeutic properties. Here, we introduce methods of synthesizing AgNPs and discuss their physicochemical, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and toxicity properties. We also review the impact of AgNPs on human health and the environment along with the underlying mechanisms. More importantly, we highlight the newly emerging applications of AgNPs as antiviral agents, photosensitizers and/or radiosensitizers, and anticancer therapeutic agents in the treatment of leukemia, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and skin and/or oral carcinoma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of possible mechanisms for silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-induced cytotoxicity. The red circles denote AgNPs. Abbreviation: ROS, reactive oxygen species.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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