~ 10 ~ ISSN Print: 2664-9926 ISSN Online: 2664-9934 IJBS 2025; 7(2): 10-12 www.biologyjournal.net Received: 11-10-2024 Accepted: 17-11-2024 Manisha Parihar Division of Veterinary Pathology, C.V.Sc. G.B.P.U.A.T, U.S Nagar, Uttarakhand, India RS Chauhan Division of Veterinary Pathology, C.V.Sc. G.B.P.U.A.T, U.S Nagar, Uttarakhand, India Renu Singh Department of Veterinary Pathology, C.V.Sc. & A.H., DUVASU, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India Corresponding Author: Manisha Parihar Division of Veterinary Pathology, C.V.Sc. G.B.P.U.A.T, U.S Nagar, Uttarakhand, India Silver nanoparticles: A review of their therapeutic potential and biocompatibility Manisha Parihar, RS Chauhan and Renu Singh DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.33545/26649926.2025.v7.i2a.290 Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and wide range of applications in various fields, including medicine, industry, and environmental science. These nanoparticles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm, exhibit enhanced antimicrobial activity, making them particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of infections caused by both antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant microorganisms. This review highlights the beneficial effects of AgNPs, focusing on their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their role in wound healing. AgNPs demonstrate remarkable effectiveness against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Their small size enables better cellular penetration, enhancing their therapeutic potential. Additionally, AgNPs have shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration in wound healing applications. Despite these benefits, the increasing use of AgNPs raises concerns regarding their safety and potential toxicity, necessitating further research to understand their long-term effects on human health and the environment. This review also discusses the challenges and future directions for the safe application of AgNPs in various industries and biomedical fields. Keywords: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, nanotechnology Introduction Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a class of nanomaterials that have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their unique size-dependent properties and broad spectrum of biological activities. These nanoparticles, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, exhibit distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics compared to bulk silver, including enhanced surface area, increased reactivity, and improved antimicrobial properties. As a result, AgNPs have found applications in a variety of fields, such as medicine, environmental science, and industry, making them one of the most widely studied and applied nanomaterials to date (Burrell et al., 1999; Sondhi & Sondhi, 2004; Buzea et al., 2007) [2, 11, 3] . In medicine, AgNPs are particularly valuable for their potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which make them effective in the treatment and prevention of infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Their small size enables them to easily penetrate cell membranes, facilitating their ability to interact with and disrupt bacterial cells or viruses (Yin et al., 1999; Elechiguerra et al., 2005) [18, 5] . Moreover, AgNPs can be used in wound healing, as they promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection (Tian et al., 2007) [13] . These properties have made them a promising candidate for use in medical devices, wound dressings, and therapeutic formulations (Prabhu & Poulose, 2012) [9] . In addition to their biomedical applications, AgNPs have been widely utilized in industrial and environmental contexts. In the textile industry, they are incorporated into fabrics to provide antimicrobial properties, thus preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi on garments (Lee & Jeong, 2005) [8] . They are also used in coatings, paints, and water filtration systems due to their ability to inhibit microbial growth and degrade pollutants (Vasilev et al., 2009) [14] . Furthermore, AgNPs are used in the development of sensors, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic tools, showcasing their versatility and wide-ranging utility (Gros et al., 1981; Davis, 2002) [6, 4] . International Journal of Biology Sciences 2025; 7(2): 10-12