Silver Nanoparticles as Multi-Functional Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Nanoparticles can surmount some essential problems of conventional small molecules or biomacromolecules (e.g., DNA, RNA, and protein) used in some diseases by allowing targeted delivery and overcome through biological barriers. Recently, silver nanoparticles have been harnessed as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents, including antisense oligonucleotides, and other small molecules. Silver is the most profit-oriented precious metal used in the preparation of nanoparticles and nanomaterials because of its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and unusually enhanced physicochemical properties compared to the bulk material such as optical, thermal, electrical, and catalytic properties. Small silver nanoparticles offer many advantages as drug carriers, including adjustable size and shape, enhanced stability of surface-bound nucleic acids, high-density surface ligand attachment, transmembrane delivery without harsh transfection agents, protection of the attached therapeutics from degradation, and potential for improved timed/controlled intracellular drug-delivery. Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is gaining interest due to its inexpensiveness, providing a healthier work environment, and protecting human health leading to lessening waste and safer products. The chapter presents the essential physicochemical characteristics, antibacterial, and anticancer properties which silver nanoparticles obtained by plant-mediated methods possess, and their application as drug-delivery systems with a critical view on the possible toxicity on the human body.

Methods for Reducing the Toxicity of Metal and Metal Oxide NPs as Biomedicine

“…Due to the ease of obtaining small-size nanoparticles and well-defined shapes, AgNPs have been used as drug carriers in drug delivery systems. By choosing the right methods of synthesis, reagents, and stabilizers used, it is possible to obtain a product that facilitates the transport of active substances and allows the gradual release of drugs into the cells [41]. AgNPs also have some disadvantages, i.e., they can be toxic to both diseased and healthy cells.…”

Analysis of the Exposure of Organisms to the Action of Nanomaterials

“…The widespread use of nanomaterials causes leakage of ultra-fine particles into the environment in an uncontrolled manner, and their presence is noticeable in water and dust suspended in the air [28]. Due to their small size, nanoparticles easily enter the blood, and therefore accumulate in organs [29].…”

Bionanotechnology: Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Bovine Bone Powder Used as Bactericide

“…This organism was proposed because it is one of the most difficult to treat, being the cause of severe diarrhea due to consumption of water contaminated with coliforms. This type of bacteria has become multi-resistant to antibiotics, making its treatment rather difficult and is an important cause of death in places where people do not have access to drinking water [4,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]].…”