A comprehensive review on silver nanoparticles: Synthesis approaches, characterization techniques, and recent pharmaceutical, environmental, and antimicrobial applications

Recently, there has been a growing interest in metal nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), due to their distinct physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial characteristics, making them a novel category of luminescence-based nanomaterials. Consequently, Ag-NPs have been proposed for various applications as optical and electrochemical sensors for the quantification of different analytes in diverse matrices, including environmental, pharmaceutical, and food products. Additionally, there were reports of applications pertaining to antimicrobial properties. The extensive utilization of Ag-NPs can be mostly attributed to their exceptional luminescent properties, straightforward synthesis methods, cost-effective starting materials, heightened sensitivity, ease of measurement, and remarkable chemical stability. Consequently, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the associated impacts and potential applications of Ag-NPs. The novelty of this review pertains to its comprehensive coverage of diverse synthetic approaches employed for the production of Ag-NPs, as well as the characterization techniques employed to analyze their properties. Furthermore, the review encompasses an exploration of the applications of Ag-NPs in different fields, including pharmaceutical, environmental, and antimicrobial, over the last five years (2018–2022). Finally, current challenges and future trends are also discussed, providing proof for distinct and substantial possibilities for new approaches focusing on Ag-NPs and recommending the need for less toxic, economic, and rapid synthetic approaches. This review serves as a comprehensive resource that can effectively support and propel future investigations and advancements in the discipline, specifically pertaining to the utilization of comparable nanomaterials.