## 1 Introduction  
Nanoparticles are generally considered to be particles whose size is in the range of 1-100 nm. They are an interesting and desirable object of modern research because they very often show various unique properties compared to their macro-scale counterparts [1]. They arouse constantly growing interest due to the discovery of new applications in many fields of science and industry. The main direction in recent times is medicine, where nanoparticles are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This is mainly related to the large active surface-to-mass ratio of nanoparticles. In addition, the active surface is able to bind and transfer other compounds; hence, nanoparticles are considered good carriers of proteins or drugs, as they can deliver these compounds directly to the target site [2]. In addition, nanoparticles, mainly of such metals as gold (Au), silver (Ag), and platinum (Pt), are used as catalysts for chemical reactions or in optical biosensors and chemosensors. Considering their biological activities, silver nanoparticles are a matter of special interest in biology and medicine. Depending on their physicochemical properties, e.g., dimensions, formulation, and high reactivity, metal nanoparticles show different biological activities [3; 4; 5; 6]. They can act as antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents [7; 8; 9; 10]. Taking into account the medical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), the most popular is their antibacterial activity. Colloidal silver has long been a popular antibacterial agent. In the history of the use of silver in medicine, 1884 was a breakthrough year, when [PERSON] used a solution of silver nitrate to treat gonococcal conjunctivitis in newborns. Silver nitrate was also used in dentistry to treat caries. Currently, silver can be found in many antibacterial cosmetics, such as soaps, deodorants, shampoos, and mouthwashes [1; 11]. Data indicate that, in 2023, over 1000 consumer products containing nanosilver were identified (approved and not by the FDA in the USA), which are mainly used in the medical, textile, and cosme sectors [12]. Silver nanoparticles exhibit a broad spectrum of anticancer activity, making them highly promising for application as novel therapeutic agents or drug carriers. However, in order to develop a safe and effective anticancer agent based on AgNPs in the future, it is essential to investigate more mechanisms of the anticancer action of these nanoparticles. AgNPs also demonstrate potential as a new therapeutic strategy for wound healing. Studies have shown that the action of AgNPs in this context involves the regulation of the production of various cytokines and proteins participating in the wound-healing process. They also promote early adhesion, contraction, and closure of the wound. Silver nanoparticles also exhibit favorable properties in bone healing. They can be used as osteoconductive material or as a doping material for synthetic bone scaffolds, providing protection against potential bacterial infections, which are common and risky in bone grafts. Another biomedical application involves incorporating AgNPs into dental biomaterials due to their antibacterial and anti-biofilm effectiveness. Additionally, research indicates that AgNPs also have the potential for use as adjuvatns in vaccines, antidiabetic agents, or as biosensors [13]. Silver nanoparticles are also widely used in food processing and packaging designed to protect food against microorganisms [14]. As a feed additive, it has been shown that they reduce the occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms, so they could reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock. Additionally, their potential use in water treatment has been demonstrated by incorporating them into foam filters or by the impregnation of ultrafiltration membranes. Moreover, AgNPs are good candidates for use in food packaging due to their good stability and slow release of silver ions in stored food. In the context of food safety, another approach is emerging to use AgNPs as biosensors.