The article reviews the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their biocidal properties. Ag NPs have been widely used in agriculture and medicine due to their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. They arrest the growth and multiplication of various microorganisms by binding with biomolecules in microbial cells, producing reactive oxygen species and free radicals that cause apoptosis and cell death. Smaller Ag NPs are more toxic than larger ones and can diffuse into cells, rupturing cell walls. Ag NPs are also used in food packaging to prevent pathogen damage. The toxicity of Ag NPs depends on factors such as size, concentration, pH, and exposure time. The synthesis of Ag NPs can be achieved through "bottom-up" and "top-down" methods. Biological synthesis, involving bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plant extracts, is favored for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Bacterial strains like *Pseudomonas stutzeri* and *Bacillus subtilis* have been used for both extracellular and intracellular biosynthesis. Fungi, including *Humicola sp.* and *Pleurotus cornucopiae*, have also been effective in producing Ag NPs. Plant parts such as leaves, stems, and roots have been used to synthesize Ag NPs, with *Pongamia pinnata* and *Aloe vera* showing promising results. The cytotoxicity of Ag NPs varies depending on their size, shape, and coating agents. Smaller Ag NPs are more toxic and can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress. However, the toxicity is cumulative, and the release of silver ions can contribute to cytotoxicity. Ag NPs have shown significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogens, but their effectiveness can be reduced by low pH or high NaCl content in food products. The mechanism of antibacterial activity involves the release of silver ions, which penetrate the cell membrane or attach to the bacterial surface. The formation of free radicals and the interaction between the positive charge on Ag NPs and the negative charge on the cell membrane are key factors in their antimicrobial properties. The combination of Ag NPs with antibiotics can enhance their efficacy against resistant pathogens, but constant exposure to Ag NPs can lead to microbial resistance.The article reviews the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their biocidal properties. Ag NPs have been widely used in agriculture and medicine due to their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. They arrest the growth and multiplication of various microorganisms by binding with biomolecules in microbial cells, producing reactive oxygen species and free radicals that cause apoptosis and cell death. Smaller Ag NPs are more toxic than larger ones and can diffuse into cells, rupturing cell walls. Ag NPs are also used in food packaging to prevent pathogen damage. The toxicity of Ag NPs depends on factors such as size, concentration, pH, and exposure time. The synthesis of Ag NPs can be achieved through "bottom-up" and "top-down" methods. Biological synthesis, involving bacteria, fungi, yeast, and plant extracts, is favored for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Bacterial strains like *Pseudomonas stutzeri* and *Bacillus subtilis* have been used for both extracellular and intracellular biosynthesis. Fungi, including *Humicola sp.* and *Pleurotus cornucopiae*, have also been effective in producing Ag NPs. Plant parts such as leaves, stems, and roots have been used to synthesize Ag NPs, with *Pongamia pinnata* and *Aloe vera* showing promising results. The cytotoxicity of Ag NPs varies depending on their size, shape, and coating agents. Smaller Ag NPs are more toxic and can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress. However, the toxicity is cumulative, and the release of silver ions can contribute to cytotoxicity. Ag NPs have shown significant antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogens, but their effectiveness can be reduced by low pH or high NaCl content in food products. The mechanism of antibacterial activity involves the release of silver ions, which penetrate the cell membrane or attach to the bacterial surface. The formation of free radicals and the interaction between the positive charge on Ag NPs and the negative charge on the cell membrane are key factors in their antimicrobial properties. The combination of Ag NPs with antibiotics can enhance their efficacy against resistant pathogens, but constant exposure to Ag NPs can lead to microbial resistance.