Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Applications
摘要
Fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to crop yield and quality, leading to considerable losses in agricultural productivity. In response, synthetic chemical pesticides are often used to control these diseases and manage pest populations. The widespreadhe widespread application of these pesticides has led to several adverse environmental effects, which present serious challenges to the sustainable advancement of agriculture. In this context, advances in nanotechnology offer new opportunities for managing fungal diseases in plants. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are renowned for their antimicrobial properties in biomedical applications. These nanoparticles can help combat fungal infestations in plants, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and addressing antibiotic resistance. Despite their advantages, the use of AgNPs presents challenges, including potential soil and water contamination and variability in size and morphology due to different synthesis methods. In this context, this chapter aims to explore key aspects of AgNPs, including their synthesis, characterization, and antifungal properties. Moreover, this chapter provides an overview of the potential applications of AgNPs and discusses the challenges faced in developing new applications to promote sustainable and resilient agricultural practices for managing fungal infestations in plants.