31 August 2018 | Alexandra-Cristina Burdușel, Oana Gherasim, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Laurențiu Mogoantă, Anton Ficai, Ecaterina Andronescu
The article provides an up-to-date overview of the biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and promising biological functions, particularly in antimicrobial applications. The review covers various aspects of AgNP-based nanostructures, including their potential toxicity, unique physicochemical properties, and biofunctional behaviors. Key areas of application discussed include:
1. **Antibacterial Characteristics**: AgNPs exhibit enhanced antimicrobial efficiency compared to silver ions, making them effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Their mechanisms of action include damage to microbial membranes and sub-cellular structures.
2. **Drug-Delivery Systems**: AgNPs are used as carriers for various therapeutic molecules, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. They offer tunable release profiles and minimal side effects.
3. **Catheter Modification**: AgNPs are incorporated into catheters to prevent infections, particularly in central venous catheters (CVCs) and urinary catheters, by enhancing antibacterial properties and reducing biofilm formation.
4. **Dental Applications**: AgNPs are used in dental materials to prevent caries and improve the remineralization process. They can be incorporated into resins, cements, and composites to enhance their antimicrobial effects.
5. **Wound Healing**: AgNPs are effective in promoting wound healing by reducing bacterial infections and promoting tissue regeneration. They are used in wound dressings and as coatings on medical devices.
6. **Bone Healing**: AgNPs are used in bone grafts and implant coatings to enhance bone regeneration and prevent infections. They improve the differentiation of osteoblasts and promote mineralization.
7. **Other Medical Applications**: AgNPs have potential in cancer therapy, cardiovascular diseases, malaria control, and eye infections due to their broad-spectrum bioactivity.
The article also discusses the toxicity of AgNPs, highlighting the need for further research to understand their short-term and long-term effects on biological systems. Despite these concerns, AgNPs remain promising for various biomedical applications due to their unique properties and potential benefits.The article provides an up-to-date overview of the biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs have gained significant attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and promising biological functions, particularly in antimicrobial applications. The review covers various aspects of AgNP-based nanostructures, including their potential toxicity, unique physicochemical properties, and biofunctional behaviors. Key areas of application discussed include:
1. **Antibacterial Characteristics**: AgNPs exhibit enhanced antimicrobial efficiency compared to silver ions, making them effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Their mechanisms of action include damage to microbial membranes and sub-cellular structures.
2. **Drug-Delivery Systems**: AgNPs are used as carriers for various therapeutic molecules, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. They offer tunable release profiles and minimal side effects.
3. **Catheter Modification**: AgNPs are incorporated into catheters to prevent infections, particularly in central venous catheters (CVCs) and urinary catheters, by enhancing antibacterial properties and reducing biofilm formation.
4. **Dental Applications**: AgNPs are used in dental materials to prevent caries and improve the remineralization process. They can be incorporated into resins, cements, and composites to enhance their antimicrobial effects.
5. **Wound Healing**: AgNPs are effective in promoting wound healing by reducing bacterial infections and promoting tissue regeneration. They are used in wound dressings and as coatings on medical devices.
6. **Bone Healing**: AgNPs are used in bone grafts and implant coatings to enhance bone regeneration and prevent infections. They improve the differentiation of osteoblasts and promote mineralization.
7. **Other Medical Applications**: AgNPs have potential in cancer therapy, cardiovascular diseases, malaria control, and eye infections due to their broad-spectrum bioactivity.
The article also discusses the toxicity of AgNPs, highlighting the need for further research to understand their short-term and long-term effects on biological systems. Despite these concerns, AgNPs remain promising for various biomedical applications due to their unique properties and potential benefits.