A Review of Recent Developments in Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Antioxidant and Antibacterial Applications.

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biological sources has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. This review highlights recent advancements in the green synthesis of AgNPs employing plant extracts, bacteria, fungi, and algae, with particular emphasis on their antioxidant and antibacterial applications. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids act as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, contributing to the formation of stable nanoparticles with enhanced bioactivity. The unique properties of AgNPs, including their large surface area and unique morphology, enable effective free radical scavenging and potent antibacterial activity, offering promising solutions to oxidative stress-related diseases and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This review critically compares green synthesis approaches with traditional methods, outlines their advantages and limitations, and explores the mechanisms underlying the antioxidant and antibacterial actions of AgNPs. The findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized AgNPs in biomedical and environmental applications.