ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the various mechanisms provided for the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by plants, fungi and bacteria. One thing that is clear is that the mechanistic aspects in some of the biological systems need more detailed studies. An important finding of this study was the identification of biomolecules responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs and for elucidating the mechanism of biosynthesis. The bioinspired method is considered to be ideal, amongst different synthetic routes to nanoparticle formation, since it avoids the use of toxic chemicals. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) study revealed that the carbonyl groups were involved in the reduction of metal ions to nanoparticles. The defense mechanism of microorganisms against silver ions is mainly considered for AgNPs synthesis, which is popularly known as the 'potential' of the organism. An understanding of the silver ion antimicrobial activity mechanism elucidates details on AgNP synthesis.
