In recent years there has been extensive use of
nanomaterials in various consumer products, including silver
nanoparticles (AgNPs); due to their specific and beneficial
properties, it is likely that their consumption will continually
rise in the future. AgNPs have significant use as an
antimicrobial agent, being coated on medical devices, wound dressings and textile fabrics, and they can be added in
sanitary processes for antimicrobial purposes (Rai et al.,
2009; Drake and Hazelwood, 2005). However, there is
growing concern about their toxicity to humans and animals
when released into the environment by several routes, such
as from synthesis/manufacturing processes and the use of
products containing AgNPs (Fabrega et al., 2011).