Biological effect of silver nanowires in biomedical applications

Abstract

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have emerged as a versatile nanomaterial due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, particularly their significant potential in regulating the immune microenvironment for biomedical applications. This review highlights the latest advances in the biological effects, biomedical applications and future challenges of Ag NWs. In addition to their well-known antibacterial activity, Ag NWs exhibit a range of biological effects in immune microenvironment modulation, including anti-tumor immune regulation, anti-infection, drug delivery, and potential roles in the osteogenic system. These properties support their application in fields such as orthopedic implants, wound healing, and flexible electronics like electronic skin. Despite these promising advancements, challenges such as cytotoxicity, environmental concerns, and scalability remain obstacles to their widespread clinical translation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current progress and future directions of Ag NW applications, aiming to guide researchers in optimizing their design and functionality for medical use.