Sustainable nanotechnology through green synthesized silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial innovations

Nanotechnology continues to reshape modern science by enabling the design of materials with unique physicochemical, electrical, optical, and biological properties at the nanoscale. Among these materials, nanoparticles ranging from 1 to 100 nm have attracted significant attention because of their high surface-to-volume ratio and broad functional potential. In particular, Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as highly promising nanomaterials owing to their strong antimicrobial activity and expanding applications in healthcare, agriculture, environmental remediation, and advanced materials engineering. Although conventional chemical and physical synthesis methods can effectively produce nanoparticles, they often involve hazardous reagents, high energy consumption, and environmental concerns. As a sustainable alternative, plant-mediated synthesis has gained increasing recognition as a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible approach for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. This review critically examines recent advances in the green synthesis of AgNPs using plant-derived extracts obtained from leaves, bark, roots, fruits, and other biologically active tissues that serve as natural reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. Particular emphasis is placed on synthesis mechanisms, physicochemical characterization, and the antibacterial performance of biogenic nanoparticles. Emerging applications in biomedicine, agriculture, water treatment, and sustainable environmental management are also discussed. In addition, current challenges related to reproducibility, nanoparticle stability, toxicity evaluation, and large-scale production are highlighted. This review provides a forward-looking perspective on the role of plant-derived silver nanoparticles in advancing sustainable nanotechnology and enabling future antimicrobial innovations.