Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: properties and action against bacterial biofilms

Silver nanoparticles have gained the spotlight for their application in diverse fields over the last decade. Their properties range from optical, conduction, electrochemical and electromagnetic to biological properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and so on. Many investigations on silver nanoparticles show that they have the potential for eradication of antimicrobial resistance caused due to bacterial biofilms, which has become a setback against fighting microbial infections. Silver nanoparticles act against biofilms in multiple ways including damage to DNA, denaturation of proteins of the organism, creating pores or interfering with plasma membrane, generating reactive oxygen species, and many more mechanisms that make it difficult for a bacteria to gain resistance against these silver nanoparticles. Owing to their effective antimicrobial properties, their synthesis and properties are being explored and investigated. The most rational and sustainable way for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is from plant extracts and microbes rather than chemical or physical synthesis which are high energy, temperature, machinery, labor, and cost requiring. Therefore, this review highlights the process of green synthesis for silver nanoparticles production, hinting at some of their important properties that make it unique and effective for applications in diverse felids as well as their action against bacterial biofilms as an upsurge against treating antibiotic resistance