Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles in wound healing: biological functions and AI-driven innovations

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex, staged biological process characterized by coordinated cellular and molecular activities that restore the integrity of damaged tissues. Nonetheless, the presence of infections and chronic inflammatory responses can significantly obstruct this vital process, often requiring advanced therapeutic interventions for resolution. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained attention as promising nanotherapeutics, attributable to their broad-spectrum encapsulated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review delineates the physiological mechanisms underpinning wound healing and elucidates the interactions of AgNPs across the various stages of this process. Particular emphasis is placed on the synthesis strategies employed for AgNPs, highlighting eco-friendly green synthesis methods that utilize biological agents to enhance both biocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy. The discussion extends to the biological applications of green-synthesized AgNPs, including their roles as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal agents, each of which is crucial in mitigating infection risk and fostering tissue repair. Moreover, the review explores the immunomodulatory properties of AgNPs, emphasizing their capacity to mediate and balance the immune response to achieve optimal healing outcomes. A critical aspect of this examination includes the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in refining the design and predicting the biological interactions of AgNPs. Sections detailing AI-assisted synthesis and cytotoxicity modeling illustrate how computational methodologies are revolutionizing the field of nanomaterials research. Ultimately, this paper addresses the existing challenges and prospects for the development of safe, effective, and personalized AgNP-based wound treatment strategies.