GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The escalating demand for eco-friendly and sustainable nanomaterials has driven significant attention toward green synthesis approaches. This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing biological entities such as plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, and algae as reducing and stabilizing agents. The eco-friendly synthesis circumvents the use of toxic chemicals typically involved in conventional nanoparticle production, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative. Characterization of the synthesized AgNPs through techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, and FTIR confirms their nanoscale size, crystalline nature, and functional surface chemistry. The synthesized AgNPs exhibit remarkable antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and catalytic properties, making them highly suitable for applications in biomedicine, environmental remediation, agriculture, and textile engineering. This paper highlights the underlying mechanisms of biological reduction, factors affecting nanoparticle synthesis, and a comparative assessment of their performance across various applications. The green synthesis of AgNPs not only advances sustainable nanotechnology but also opens avenues for interdisciplinary innovations in healthcare and environmental science.