Ashwini G. Dhone

Nano-size particles of less than 100 nm in diameter are currently attracting increasing attention for the wide range of new applications in various fields of industry. They exhibit properties different than from those of bulk materials, as a result of small particle dimension, high surface area, quantum confinement and other effects. Silver nanoparticles are nanoparticles of silver which are in the range of 1 and 100 nm in size. The major methods used for silver nanoparticle synthesis are the physical and chemical methods, but the synthesis is expensive and can also have toxic substances absorbed onto them. To overcome this, the biological method (biological systems involving bacteria, fungi etc.) provides a feasible alternative. The major applications of silver nanoparticles in the medical field include diagnostic applications and therapeutic applications. In most of the therapeutic applications, it is the antimicrobial property that is being majorly explored. Accordingly, this review presents different methods of preparation silver nanoparticles and application of these nanoparticles in different fields. This review also examines the role of silver nanoparticles in cancer therapy.