Silver Nanoparticles and its Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the creation and utilization of materials, devices, and systems through the control of matter on the nanometer-length scale (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). The size of nanomaterials is similar to that of most biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be useful for both in vivo and in vitro biomedical research and applications. The nanoparticles of silver showed high antimicrobial and bactericidal activity. All major pharmaceutical companies are currently investing significantly in the development of medicines with a nanotechnology component. Such research promises therapeutic drugs with greater efficacy and a wider range of clinical indications. In the current global financial crisis such systems are likely to become increasingly attractive. The importance of bactericidal nanomaterials study is because of the increase in new resistant strains of bacteria against most potent antibiotics. This has promoted research in the well known activity of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles exhibiting bactericidal properties are reviewed and discussed.