Silver nanoparticles: a promising nanoplatform for targeted delivery of therapeutics and optimized therapeutic efficacy

Abstract In recent decades, nanotechnology-employed nanomaterials have gained remarkable recognition due to their unique physicochemical features (nanoscopic size, zeta potential, and high entrapment efficiency), target-specific delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic payload, alleviated systemic toxicity, and improved therapeutic outcomes. Amongst various nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have widely been employed in various fields including medicine and healthcare. In this chapter, we have mainly emphasized upon biological and biomedical applications of SNPs such as wound healing, tissue regenerating, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antiproliferative, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic efficacies. As a promising antimicrobial agent, SNPs have numerously been utilized for the development of wound dressings, bone fracture artificial ligaments, women hygienic products, disinfectants, and antiseptics. SNPs have also been well acclaimed as an efficient nanoplatform for target-specific delivery of imaging and anticancer agents for efficient screening and rational treatment of human cancer. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic feasibility of SNPs has been investigated in the form of nanocomposites, sponges, hydrogels, nanodispersion, nanosuspension, gels, colloidal solution, creams, ointment, and topical sprays. This chapter also recaps on recent development and progress made in designing the SNP-based hybrid nanomaterials, their superior biomedical efficacies, current challenges to their clinical transition, and future prospects.