Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: a review of the methods and Antioxidant properties of nanoparticles

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Phd student - Faculty of Mining Engineering - Amir Kabir University of Technology

2 Amirkabir University of Technology

3 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Mining Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology

4 Pouyeshgar NanoSabz Company, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their significant antioxidant properties due to their ability to scavenge and neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This characteristic has led to their widespread application in cosmetic, hygienic, and pharmaceutical products. Various synthesis approaches exist for producing silver nanoparticles, broadly categorized into top-down and bottom-up methods. The top-down approaches include mechanical activation, lithography, and other physical methods, whereas bottom-up approaches encompass hydrothermal synthesis, redox reactions, sol-gel processes, and green synthesis techniques. Among these, green synthesis has gained considerable attention because of its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Green synthesis utilizes natural sources such as plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria as reducing and stabilizing agents. This study aims to identify the most suitable green synthesis method for producing silver nanoparticles with potent antioxidant activity. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles, while capable of generating free radicals and interacting with cellular membranes, can also penetrate cells and induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This intracellular ROS generation may lead to apoptosis (programmed cell death), membrane damage and enzyme inhibition,. The antioxidant activity of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles is primarily evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Comparative analyses reveal that silver nanoparticles synthesized using algae exhibit smaller particle sizes, while those synthesized with algae and plant extracts demonstrate higher antioxidant activity compared to other biological mediators.

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 July 2025

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