Biomedical and Environmental Applications of Nanomaterials

**253**

**Chapter 12**

Activity

**Abstract**

Green Synthesis of Metal

*Jerushka S. Moodley, Suresh Babu Naidu Krishna,* 

*Karen Pillay and Patrick Govender*

of already known biologically active compounds.

their use in antimicrobial therapeutic applications [3].

green synthesis, health, silver nanoparticles

**1. Introduction**

**Keywords:** antimicrobial resistance, biological activities, drug delivery,

The antimicrobial potential of silver (Ag) and Ag-based solutions has long been established, however, their application was considered obsolete upon the discovery of antibiotics [1, 2]. In recent years, the developing crisis of multi-drug resistant pathogenic infections has led to the resurgence in this metal, however, with the use of nanotechnology to generate its nanoparticle form. For this reason, tremendous efforts have been extended in nanotechnology, particularly in the development of green synthetic strategies for silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) production to facilitate

The interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an alternative to current antibiotics has increased profoundly over the last few years. This is owed to the cumulative incidence of microbial drug-resistant infections and the lack of appropriate treatment thereof [4]. The World Health Organisation report of 2014 highlighted the probability of a post-antibiotic era in which common infections and minor injuries

Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial

The development and extensive spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria are considered as a major public health concern. Failures to control severe infections due to antibiotic resistance have augmented healthcare costs as well as patient morbidity and mortality. Presently, natural product-based therapeutics are gaining significant attention both for their antimicrobial effectiveness and for not persuading drug resistance. Furthermore, recent developments in nanoscience on new drug delivery systems built on nanostructured materials from plants and microbes have emerged which focus on targeted delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents. This review examines the recent investigations on the biological activities of plant and bacterial biological material for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis. Also, the underlying mechanism of antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles against human pathogens will be discussed. A fact of the biological activities and/or chemical responses of plants is required, not only for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, but because such evidence may be of value in disclosing new sources
