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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 40727080 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102071

Tailoring innovative silver nanoparticles for modern medicine: The importance of size and shape control and functional modifications.

Mater Today Bio 33:102071

Authors: Ibtissam Laib, Noura Gheraissa, Abir Benaissa, Latra Benkhira, Manel Azzi, Yousef Benaissa, Ahmed G Abdelaziz, Furong Tian, Maureen Walsh, Mikhael Bechelany, Ahmed Barhoum

Affiliations

  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, El Oued University, Algeria.
  • Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture, University of El Oued, 39000, Algeria.
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, El Oued University, Algeria. Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture, University of El Oued, 39000, Algeria.
  • Laboratory of Biotechnology Biomaterial and Condensed Matter, Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemistry, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, El-Oued, 39000, Algeria.
  • Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemistry, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, 789, 39000, El Oued, BP, Algeria.
  • Department of Process Engineering and Petrochemistry, Faculty of Technology, University of El Oued, 789, 39000, El Oued, BP, Algeria. Renewable Energy Development Research Unit in Arid Zones (UDERZA), University of El Oued, BP789, 39000, El Oued, Algeria.
  • Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, El Oued University, Algeria. Laboratory of Biology, Environment and Health, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of El Oued, 39000, Algeria.
  • VPRS Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Matter Sciences. University of KASDI Merbah, Ouargla, 30000, Algeria.
  • Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, 11795, Egypt.
  • Nanolab Research Centre, Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub, Technological University Dublin, Camden Row, D08 CKP1, Dublin, Ireland.
  • Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Tallaght Campus, 24, Dublin, D24 FKT9, Ireland.
  • Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, UMR-5635, University Montpellier, ENSCM, CNRS, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095, Montpellier, France.
  • Functional Materials Group, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, 32093, Kuwait.
  • Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman Campus, 7, Dublin, D07 ADY7, Ireland.

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) play a significant role in modern medicine, with their size, shape, and surface chemistry strongly influencing their biological performance. Smaller nanoparticles (1-100 nm) can penetrate cells more easily, while different shapes such as spheres, rods, cubes, triangles, wires, and stars impact their antimicrobial activity and drug delivery efficiency. This review highlights the importance of precise control over these properties during synthesis to optimize their therapeutic potential. Green synthesis methods, including plant-based and microbial approaches, are presented as safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical processes. The review also discusses surface functionalization strategies such as biodegradable coatings, targeting ligands, and hybrid structures that enhance nanoparticle stability, reduce toxicity, and enable selective delivery to sites like tumors or infected tissues. As highlighted in the review, Ag NPs hold great promise in antimicrobial therapy, targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, stem cell support, and cancer treatment. Emerging research also indicates potential benefits in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress in neurological and cardiovascular disorders. Despite these advances, key challenges remain, including low synthesis yields, poor reproducibility, scale-up difficulties, potential toxicity, uncertain biological mechanisms, and a lack of regulatory clarity. The review indicates the urgent need for improved synthesis control and rigorous safety evaluations to support the clinical translation of Ag NP-based technologies.

MeSH

Cells, Nanoparticles, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Neoplasms, Therapeutics, Tissues