Application of silver nanoparticles synthesized from species of green algae: a review

Abstract

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant attention across medicine, agriculture, and environmental science due to their distinctive physicochemical properties, including high surface area-to-volume ratio, electrical conductivity, and optical characteristics. Their potent antimicrobial properties have particularly spurred extensive research into their synthesis and diverse applications. Green algae offer an exceptional, sustainable platform for AgNPs production, owing to their inherent reducing capabilities, rapid growth, and minimal environmental impact. This review synthesizes existing research on the application of green algae-synthesized AgNPs, providing valuable insights for researchers, stakeholders, and the general public. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review specifically compiling and analyzing the applications of AgNPs derived from green algae. Future research should prioritize exploring genetic modifications to enhance the nanoparticle production capabilities of specific algal strains and optimizing their growth conditions.