Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been recognized as effective antimicrobial agents capable of combating bacteria in both in vitro and in vivo settings. They exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. AgNPs operate through multiple mechanisms, such as disrupting cell membranes, interacting with sulfur-containing proteins, and releasing silver ions, which can damage bacterial cells. Their unique properties make them suitable for medical and healthcare applications, where they can treat or prevent infections. However, their potential toxicity to human and environmental health is a concern due to their ability to cross biological barriers and accumulate, leading to toxic effects. The antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of AgNPs are influenced by factors such as size, charge, and surface characteristics. Smaller AgNPs tend to have higher antibacterial activity but may also be more cytotoxic. The synthesis of AgNPs can be achieved through various methods, including chemical, physical, and biological approaches, each with different advantages and challenges. The use of AgNPs in combination with antibiotics or other antibacterial agents can enhance their effectiveness while reducing the required dosage and minimizing side effects. However, there is concern about the potential development of resistance in bacteria due to prolonged exposure to AgNPs. Despite these challenges, AgNPs remain a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacteria. In vitro studies have shown that AgNPs can induce cytotoxic effects in various cell lines, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, with effects dependent on nanoparticle size, concentration, and coating. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs is dose-dependent and influenced by their size and surface properties. Overall, AgNPs offer significant potential in antibacterial applications but require careful consideration of their safety and toxicity in human and environmental contexts.Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been recognized as effective antimicrobial agents capable of combating bacteria in both in vitro and in vivo settings. They exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. AgNPs operate through multiple mechanisms, such as disrupting cell membranes, interacting with sulfur-containing proteins, and releasing silver ions, which can damage bacterial cells. Their unique properties make them suitable for medical and healthcare applications, where they can treat or prevent infections. However, their potential toxicity to human and environmental health is a concern due to their ability to cross biological barriers and accumulate, leading to toxic effects. The antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of AgNPs are influenced by factors such as size, charge, and surface characteristics. Smaller AgNPs tend to have higher antibacterial activity but may also be more cytotoxic. The synthesis of AgNPs can be achieved through various methods, including chemical, physical, and biological approaches, each with different advantages and challenges. The use of AgNPs in combination with antibiotics or other antibacterial agents can enhance their effectiveness while reducing the required dosage and minimizing side effects. However, there is concern about the potential development of resistance in bacteria due to prolonged exposure to AgNPs. Despite these challenges, AgNPs remain a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacteria. In vitro studies have shown that AgNPs can induce cytotoxic effects in various cell lines, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells, with effects dependent on nanoparticle size, concentration, and coating. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs is dose-dependent and influenced by their size and surface properties. Overall, AgNPs offer significant potential in antibacterial applications but require careful consideration of their safety and toxicity in human and environmental contexts.