Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being explored as potential antibacterial agents due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and ability to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review summarizes recent studies on AgNPs, highlighting their mechanisms of action, including physical interactions with bacterial cell membranes, disruption of cellular structures, and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). AgNPs are effective against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms, which are particularly challenging to treat due to their resistance to conventional antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs is influenced by factors such as size, shape, and surface charge, with smaller nanoparticles showing greater efficacy. AgNPs also exhibit synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics, enhancing antibacterial activity and reducing the required dosage of antibiotics. Additionally, AgNPs have been shown to disrupt biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are resistant to antibiotics. The use of AgNPs in medical devices and coatings has shown promise in preventing bacterial infections. However, the long-term safety and environmental impact of AgNPs require further investigation. Overall, AgNPs represent a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being explored as potential antibacterial agents due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and ability to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review summarizes recent studies on AgNPs, highlighting their mechanisms of action, including physical interactions with bacterial cell membranes, disruption of cellular structures, and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). AgNPs are effective against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms, which are particularly challenging to treat due to their resistance to conventional antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs is influenced by factors such as size, shape, and surface charge, with smaller nanoparticles showing greater efficacy. AgNPs also exhibit synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics, enhancing antibacterial activity and reducing the required dosage of antibiotics. Additionally, AgNPs have been shown to disrupt biofilms, which are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are resistant to antibiotics. The use of AgNPs in medical devices and coatings has shown promise in preventing bacterial infections. However, the long-term safety and environmental impact of AgNPs require further investigation. Overall, AgNPs represent a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.