Global Research Trends in the Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Bibliometric Analysis
International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine,
Vol. 16 (2026),
1 Dey 2026
,
Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijmtfm.v16.53458
Abstract
Background: Biosynthesis is widely used to reduce the chemical burden of silver nanoparticle production, but a biological synthesis route alone does not establish cellular safety. This study mapped global research on the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
Methods: We searched Scopus without a year restriction for English-language final-stage journal articles and reviews. Single-reviewer screening retained 461 of 598 records; 46 were excluded, and 91 were classified as uncertain. Endpoint analysis included 457 original articles, while sensitivity analysis included all uncertain records (n = 552). Analyses were performed using Python.
Results: Publications increased from six in 2012 to 69 in 2025; 2026 and 2027 data were incomplete. India led in country-associated production, followed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, while international co-authorship was present in 34.3% of articles. The International Journal of Nanomedicine was the most productive source. Keyword mapping identified 30 normalized terms and 99 links across five clusters, with silver nanoparticles, green synthesis, and cytotoxicity occupying central positions. Cytotoxicity- or cell-viability-related terminology dominated the indexed metadata, whereas genotoxicity and hemocompatibility-related terminology was less visible. Many studies combined safety measurements with antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, or wound-healing claims.
Conclusion: The literature shows rapid growth in the development of biological AgNPs, but metadata patterns indicate that biocompatibility is often assessed using short-term cellular endpoints.
- Silver nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Cytotoxicity, Biocompatibility, Bibliometric analysis
How to Cite
References
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