Biomedical applications and toxicity of nanosilver : a review

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a promising arena for generating new applications in medicine. It is advancing rapidly due to the great progress achieved in various fileds including electronics, machanics, cosmetics, food, etc. In order to successfully bifunctionalise nanoparticles for a given biomedical application, a wide range of chemical, physical and biological factors have to be taken into account. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit strong antibacterial activity owing to their large surface to volume ratios and crystallographic surface structure. Nanosilver particles have been widely used in a range of biomedical applications including diagnosis, treatment, medical device coatings, drug delivery and personal health care products. With the growing application of nanosilver particles in medical contexts, it is becoming necessary for a better understanding the mechanisms of action, biological interactions and their potential toxicity on exposure. This review aims to provide critical assess-ment of the current understanding of antibacterial activity, biomedical applications and toxicity of silver nanoparticles.