An overview of methods for production and detection of silver nanoparticles, with emphasis on their fate and toxicological effects on human, soil, and aquatic environment

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in various industries; however, this is accompanied by several implications to humans and the environment. This review focuses on different aspects of AgNPs including the production and detection techniques, their fate, and dynamics in response to different environmental factors. In addition, this review illustrates the toxicity mechanism and the interaction of AgNPs with different matrices, such as aquatic environment, soil, crops, and humans. Reduction measures and future research are discussed.

Antibiofilm activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against biofilm associated enterococcal urinary pathogens

“…Green AgNPs were synthesized, in the present study, by cinnamon bark and ginger root extracts as they act as reducing and stabilizing agents 15 . The formation of AgNPs was indicated by changing the color of silver nitrate solution from light yellow to dark reddish-brown for cinnamon AgNPs and from colorless to deep yellow for ginger AgNPs.…”

“…The synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts has more advantages than other biological systems as being safe, low cost, easy to scale up the production, and short production time 14 . Plant extracts act as reducing agents in AgNPs synthesis and capping agents that prevent aggregation and improve the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles 15 . For the first time in our knowledge, the green and chemically synthesized AgNPs efficacy was evaluated to combat biofilm formed by enterococcal urinary pathogens.…”

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles in A549 and BEAS‐2B Cell Lines

“…These ions are considered as toxic ions due to the fact that they can interact with cellular structures and biomolecules including DNA, mitochondria, and proteins. This, in turn, might interrupt the normal cell multiplication, modulate the cytotoxic parameters, and finally lead to cell death [ 53 , 54 ].…”

“…Literally, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damaging the cell membrane are the most widely accepted cytotoxic mechanisms mediated by AgNPs. The Ag + ions can generate ROS and cause lipid peroxidation inside the cells [ 53 ]. This later causes damage to cellular equilibrium through reactivity mechanism of positively charged Ag + ions with the negatively charged oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the important organelles like DNA, mitochondrion, and the thiol group presented in protein structures and enzymes [ 53 , 55 ].…”

“…The Ag + ions can generate ROS and cause lipid peroxidation inside the cells [ 53 ]. This later causes damage to cellular equilibrium through reactivity mechanism of positively charged Ag + ions with the negatively charged oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the important organelles like DNA, mitochondrion, and the thiol group presented in protein structures and enzymes [ 53 , 55 ]. Changes in the intracellular atmosphere of the cells, including alterations in the redox environment and loss of plasma membrane lipid asymmetry, are important regulators of the progression to apoptosis [ 56 , 57 ].…”