A comprehensive review on the biomass-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Opportunities and challenges

The biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) using green biomass sources is an emerging field that has significant potential to impact various industries. Among metallic MNPs, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) continue to be widely investigated for their robust antimicrobial properties across healthcare, consumer goods and other sectors. While conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods are well-established, they often rely on energy-intensive equipment and hazardous chemicals. This review examines the progress of green biosynthesis as a sustainable alternative for generating AgNP. Using plants, microbes and other renewable biomass as reducing and capping agents allows for fabrication under ambient conditions without toxic additives. Various characterization tools are explored to understand the physicochemical properties of the biogenic AgNP. Their functional integration into materials and devices for applications spanning water treatment, biomedicine and electronic coatings is also discussed. Several studies highlighted here demonstrate the industrial scalability of biosynthesis techniques. By analyzing recent works, this review illustrates how biomass-mediated synthesis can advance nanomanufacturing capabilities and establish cost-effective, clean production methods to power the ongoing growth of AgNP applications. [Display omitted] •Green biosynthesis offers a sustainable route for AgNP production.•AgNP are key for antimicrobial applications.•Biomass reduces the need for toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes.•Various characterization tools reveal AgNP's physicochemical properties.•Biosynthesis shows promise for scalable, cost-effective AgNP manufacturing.