Silver Nanoparticles: An Integral Part Of Various Applications From Construction To Biomedical Products

Nanoparticles are a rapidly growing branch of science that finds an array of applications across industries. Nanoparticles have increasingly become a part of our lives. As compared to macro scale, nanoparticles exhibit different, rather unique properties, making them instrumental in various fields, especially in the medical and electronics sectors. Silver nanoparticles are one of the most commonly used nanoparticles due to their high electrical conductivity, anti-microbial, and optical properties. Over the last few years, the demand for silver nanoparticles has increased in the field of biomarkers, implant technology, biosensors, tissue engineering, nanobots & nanomedicine sectors. According to Allied Market Research, the silver nanoparticles market is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2021 to 2030. The increase in demand for anti-microbial applications and surge in demand from the electronics sectors have boosted the growth of the market.

Silver nanoparticles in the healthcare sector

Over the last few years, metal nanoparticles less than 100 nm in diameter have gained importance across biomedical applications. In particular, silver nanoparticles have great potential in applications as antimicrobial agents, drug-delivery carriers, biomedical device coatings, imaging probes, and diagnostic & optoelectronic platforms. Silver nanoparticles are traditionally known for their antimicrobial property. The unique property of silver nanoparticles offers a new way to fight pathogenic microbial activity. Silver nanoparticles have shown a unique ability to slow down microbial activity. Unlike the solid form of silver, the increased surface of silver nanoparticles shows strength in fighting viruses and a broad spectrum of bacteria.

Apart from this, infection is the primary reason most people die from diabetic wounds and chronic burns. Treating chronic wounds through traditional antibiotics has always been a challenge but silver nanoparticles show promising results in wound dressing due to their antimicrobial properties. Silver nanoparticles embedded in wound dressing polymers help in wound healing as well as controlling microorganism growth.

Silver nanoparticles in printed electronics

As digital printing gained traction, the demand for inks that allow flexibility and stretchability have increased. Thus, many researchers have turned their attention toward silver nanoparticles. Ink, composed of silver nanoparticles, can be used in optoelectronic and electronic applications to carry signals from one circuit element to another. The scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new ink from silver nanoparticles that allowed them to develop flexible and spanning microelectrodes that can withstand repeated bending and stretching with nominal change in electronic properties.

Apart from these two industries, silver nanoparticles have found applications in cosmetics, textile, paper industries, and many more. Thanks to silver nanoparticles’ antimicrobial property, cosmetic products protect skin against adverse effects of microorganisms and inhibits inflammatory activities. Similarly, silver nanoparticles containing toothpaste are widely used for oral care. Such developments have made silver one of the most sought-after metals.

In the future, silver nanoparticles would become an important material. As silver nanoparticles have demonstrated their worth in repressing microbial multiplication and improving integrity in building materials, they would remain extraordinary nanoparticles and would be part of noteworthy scientific studies.

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