Nanotechnology, an established applied science at the forefront of
multi-disciplinary advancement, currently attracts significant attention
with promising applications in diverse fields such as material science,
nanomedicine, molecular nanoscience and chemistry. With numerous
methodologies available for the synthesis of nanoparticles of particular
shape and size according to specific requirements, notable developments
are currently taking place in this technological field [1]. Nanoparticles
(particles up to 100 nm in size) display completely new or
improved properties when compared to larger particles [2], and
provide solutions to various environmental and technological challenges.
Metallic nanoparticles are considered the most promising
as they exhibit positive antibacterial properties as a consequence of
their large surface-area-to-volume ratio [3].
Among diverse metals, silver in its various forms has been widely
used as a medicine for the treatment of a spectrumof diseases since ancient
times [4]. Also known for its inhibitory effects on microbes in both
medical treatments and industrial processes [5], the anti-microbial
properties of silver are intensified following its transformation into a
nanoparticle, rendering it useful in effectively eliminating fungus and
bacteria [6]. As a natural material, silver is considered safe to man and
produces few allergic reactions during clinical testing [7]. Silver nanoparticles
have garnered attention due to their applicability in diverse
areas such as catalysis, nanomedicine, biological labelling, solar cell
surfaces, as staining pigments for glasses and ceramics, and as antimicrobial
agents [4]. Apart from their antimicrobial properties, silver
nanoparticles have been shown to have potential as anticancer agents
due to their selective role in disrupting the mitochondrial respiratory
chain which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
and interruption of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, thus causing
nucleic acid damage