eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 0974-6242 2026-05-08 19 2 71741 article Thenmozhi Annadurai 1 Narayanan Venkateshan 2 Sudalaimuthu Ramachandran SenthilKumar 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India. Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri K. Ramachandran Naidu College of Pharmacy, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India. Silver and copper nanoparticles have attracted considerable research interest due to their diverse physicochemical properties and wide range of applications, particularly when synthesized using green approaches. This review summarizes literature published between 2000 and 2025 on the biosynthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles, with a focus on plant-mediated synthesis methods, synthesis mechanisms, physicochemical characteristics, applications, and environmental and toxicological considerations. Relevant studies were identified using keywords such as “green synthesis of nanoparticles,” “silver nanoparticles,” “copper nanoparticles,” “characterization,” and “environmental aspects.” Plant-based synthesis commonly produces nanoparticles with acceptable stability and biocompatibility while reducing the use of hazardous chemicals. Silver nanoparticles demonstrate notable antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, whereas copper nanoparticles show potential in catalysis, electronics, and antimicrobial applications. Both silver and copper nanoparticles have been investigated for use in drug delivery, wound healing, and water purification, with their functional performance influenced by parameters such as particle size, morphology, structure, and surface chemistry. Despite the advantages of green synthesis, concerns related to toxicity and environmental impact remain. Available studies indicate that nanoparticle behavior and biological effects depend on concentration, exposure duration, and environmental conditions. Overall, green synthesis of silver and copper nanoparticles using plant sources represents a promising alternative to conventional methods; however, further systematic studies are required to better understand long-term safety and environmental implications. https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol19no2/green-synthesis-of-silver-and-copper-nanoparticles-methods-properties-applications-and-environmental/ Antimicrobial Characterization techniques Copper nanoparticles Drug delivery Green synthesis Nanoparticles Silver nanoparticles