SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES: RECENT ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

ABSTRACT: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant interest in biological research because of their special physicochemical characteristics, which include stability, high surface area, and ease of functionalization. Because of these properties, AgNPs can be used in drug delivery, medical diagnostics, antimicrobial formulations, and coatings for medical devices. AgNPs with regulated size and form are created using a variety of synthesis techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological processes. The primary mechanisms by which AgNPs demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and biofilm-forming pathogens include membrane rupture, reactive oxygen species production, and silver ion release. Their therapeutic potential is encouraging, but cytotoxicity and biosafety issues need to be carefully considered. This review focuses on silver nanoparticles' latest developments, potential uses in medicine, and future prospects. Cite This Paper: Dr. Nasheer S. Shaikh, Sirsat Vidya, Karbhari Vaishnavi, Chilarge Shubham and Dr. Shivakumar S. Ladde (2026). "SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES: RECENT ADVANCES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH CARE (IJPHC), vol. 16, no. 1, 2026, pp. 55/1-55/17. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18803538 KEY WORDS: Synthesis, antibacterial mechanism, and biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).